A couple weeks ago we mentioned the progress made across the networks in patient activations. In particular, the Santa Clara clinic reported strong gains in February. Clinic manager
Stephanie Drews provides the following keys to Santa Clara's success:
- Results - "I'm a bit competitive and so is my staff. I engage with them daily. We keep a visual tally which makes it fun to see the numbers increase daily."
- Choice - "I choose my attitude when I walk through the door. I feel my staff will not be charged and energized unless I am."
- Passion - "I thank God every day for my family, my health and my job."
Like Drews,
Lorne Bigley, MD brings a competitive and lighthearted approach to the PatientConnection Contest. Bigley credits his staff's combined efforts to help him sign up patients. Dr. Bigley and his assistants ensure each patient has at least one opportunity to sign up during a visit. It starts with a quick question:
"Do you use email or a smartphone?"
If the patient answers "yes," Bigley and his staff explain the benefits of PatientConnection and immediately launch the MyChart Admin on the office computer to begin the activation process. "If they can use email, they can use PatientConnection," Bigley says. "I now have folks from 18-92 years old using it."
John Hamill, MD utilizes the same approach, "I ask patients if they use the Internet. If they do, I launch MyChart and allow them to sign up in the office." Hamill notes some patients have trouble with the activation, and he's quick to provide assistance.
Patients appreciate the communication benefits with the system, according to
Khurram Naqvi, MD. "My patients have expressed to me the pleasure of being able to communicate with me and also, despite my hectic schedule, the timeliness of my replies." Patients value fewer barriers between themselves and their physician.
"Patients find their needs are more efficiently met using PatientConnection," Naqvi says. Once patients understand these benefits, they're more inclined to activate and use an account.
The
PatientConnection Contest continues through the end of June with the goal of 50,000 patient activations. As of March 13, there are
23,460 total activations.
