As I read (and re-read) this most wonderful article, I suddenly realized there were two important words embedded.
“The Ideal Medical Practice Model: Improving Efficiency, Quality and the Doctor-Patient Relationship” – L. Gordon Moore, MD, and John H. Wasson, MD (Fam Pract Manag. 2007 Sept;1
1. Model
2. System
I mean ‘Modeling’ the practice and building a process-oriented system for the Practice – NOT system as in Information Technology.
Unknowingly, perhaps, you created and perfected a process-oriented system that is efficient for you and your practice and then built or bought technology to make it work.
Many people get it wrong. They expect Tools and Technologies to do the modeling of internal systems for them, which is completely backward, and the reason for failure and immense frustration.
Building an ideal medical practice should start with designing a model that focuses on optimizing the smallest functional work unit capable of delivering excellent care; even for a solo doctor, even without any staff. Too far-fetched? Perhaps.
But, when you mix in good technology around this process and workflow, such model practices can emerge.
We just need to make sure we put the horse before the cart.
