Medical Staff President's Message

Happy New Year!  We have two important medical staff items that will change.  Item number two is especially important to those physicians performing consultations in the hospital setting.

1.      As approved by the medical staff, we will transition to two categories of privileges:

o       Active

o       Affiliate (previously Associate)

 

The qualifications for the Affiliate category include:

A.        Does not meet the Active Staff category;

B.         Does not actively provide medical care for their patients in the hospital/facility, but wishes to maintain an affiliation with the medical staff located where their patients may receive care and testing; and

C.        Meets the qualifications of Section 2.2.1 of these bylaws, qualifications and requirements as outlined in these Bylaws, and the policies, manuals, rules and regulations of the medical staff and hospital, as approved by the board.

 

Appointees to this category:

A.         Do not admit patients in the same manner as an active medical staff member. 

B.         May chair any department or committee and be active members of committees and departments;

C.        Attend meetings of the staff, department and committee of which he is appointed and any staff or hospital education programs.

D.        May vote at medical staff or department meetings;

E.         Exercise such clinical privileges as are granted to him/her;

F.         May visit their patients in the hospital, but may not write orders of any kind.  May write notes in the medical record to reflect the visit and provide additional relevant information which may assist the Active Medical Staff/Attending's care.

 

2.      The electronic age is upon us, and MEC passed a resolution that all consultations be dictated.  A brief handwritten note is expected. This assures access to important information for all physicians, both inpatient and outpatient, across Health One facilities when a patient receives a consultation.  In addition,  it helps avoid duplication of work and services.   I applaud our physicians for moving forward on this issue.

As for resolutions, I would like to continue my goal of improving patient care through better medical staff communication.  Dr. Waite has agreed to help me in this endeavor and John Hill is committed as well.  I have taken a bit of a respite for the holidays in terms of pursuing this goal, but the break brings renewed vigor.  I look forward to communicating with you.  As always, call if you have any concerns or questions.  My cell is 303-548-8095.

And please remember the Physician Hotline.  We want to hear of the problems you encounter when you interface with the hospital. All calls are reviewed by the administrative (medical and hospital) team. We expect solutions quickly and I want to hear if your concern is not addressed.  The number is 303-338 PHYS (7497).Please leave a detailed message and the best method to contact you. The goal is to respond within two business days.

As always, thank you for your support and your participation in our organized medical staff.