At its core, Remaking American Medicine is a glimpse into the type of health care we can all have. It is about the pioneering work of providers, patients and their families, private purchasers, government agencies and others committed to making health care in America safe, evidence-based, efficient and effective. We call these people and organizations Champions of Change. Because there are many more stories about these groups and individuals than can be told in a four-hour television series we’ll be featuring them here and in other areas of the Web site. Learning from others is an important aspect in the drive to remake American medicine. At the conclusion of each Champion of Change story is contact information provided for follow up.
Dr. Michael K. Magill practices family medicine at a University of Utah clinic in Salt Lake City. He is Board Certified and has a particular interest in rural health issues. He also has a commitment to medical education and is a past Chair of the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine at the University.
Dr. Magill has made it a priority to provide the highest quality of care for his patients. By systematically identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, he has improved patient services and increased the amount of time he spends with each patient.
One of the ways that Dr. Magill is achieving these efficiencies is by instituting an electronic medical records (EMS) system to track patient care. When patients schedule an appointment, their information is entered into a computer, eliminating the need to spend time filling in paperwork after arriving for their appointment.
Instead, a Medical Assistant (MA) greets them and takes them directly to the examination room, checks them in and begins the examination. When completed, the MA calls the doctor in so that the patient is never left alone. While the doctor examines the patient and reviews symptoms, the MA records the examination.
Once the exam is complete, patients are given a computer print out summarizing their visit. They receive information on their vital signs, diagnosis, treatment and emergency phone numbers, if needed. Patients respond that they feel empowered by having this information and that they feel better informed about their own health care.
Because of the institutional changes implemented by Dr. Magill, patient and staff satisfaction is very high. Dr. Magill is a Champion of Change, and many other physicians across the county are adopting his use of electronic medical records.
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