Best Practice

Since the pandemic began, you’ve likely been writing many more emails than usual to your patients, or even using email communication with your patients for the first time. Here are a few tips for writing clear, effective emails to your patients.

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement identified several pitfalls and promising practices drawn from the American healthcare sector's experimentation with quality-improvement methods and performance management:

During certain times of the year -- January and July, for example –– many of your patients switch to a new health plan and staying ahead of authorization and referral requests can be a double-edged sword. It’s best practice to request an authorization or referral well ahead of the patient’s scheduled service. But if the patient changes health plans during the period between the request and the service, you might end up with a denied claim.

Last week, my dad and I were at his cardiologist’s. I often accompany my elderly but very competent father to his medical appointments. It's helpful to both of us because I can offer my assistance without asking him 500 questions after the appointment.

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