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3 Ways to Help New Physicians Join a Practice

Written by: Tom Pasquariello, PharmD

Growing up, one of the toughest things you may have experienced was trying to fit in at a new school. Crowded hallways, different locker combinations, new friends, unfamiliar classes – the challenges unique to that situation go on and on and are familiar to some. That same “fish-out-of-water” feeling doesn’t have to be re-lived when entering a new practice, especially when existing best practices can help make the transition almost seamless. Starting at a new practice can and should be an exciting time not only for you but for the practices’ patients as well. A new physician can often bring with them a positive attitude, fresh ideas, and scheduling availability, among other benefits.

Towards that end, practices should have a structured, consistent program in place to ensure all new physicians undergo the same training process. This can not only help to bring the physician up to speed quicker by saving time and money but can help minimize potential patient discomfort they may feel if they need to see a different physician. Having a designated physician mentor or preceptor for all incoming physicians is also important for consistent training, as having one point of contact can help minimize distractions in workflow helping the practice to stay on schedule.1

There are many questions that come to mind when thinking about learning a new EHR system, including discussing recurrent encounters, such as handling prior authorizations and learning a new electronic health record (EHR), while helping patients receive their medications quickly and efficiently.1 Offering a training program, sometimes even through a contracted vendor, can help physicians experience less stress as they are navigating the new system. Practice Fusion understands the importance of education and encourages staff to read our whitepaper entitled “Proven Path to a Successful EHR Implementation” for more information on managing this transition effectively.

An experienced medical assistant may be just as valuable as a physician mentor.1 Medical assistants, as well as office administrators, often know how to manage the required processes and provide invaluable insights to help a newcomer succeed. This could be anything from where the backup supplies are kept to patient insights - whatever the case, the newcomer can be more prepared.

New physicians can benefit from the office staff helping to schedule appointments for the new physician assisting with patient transition and retention. Becoming more involved in local organizations, such as volunteer work, can also help attract new patients and build credibility. Providing tools the new physicians need to present themselves as knowledgeable and caring can go a long way to doing so as well. Referrals through word of mouth and online surveys can help a physician develop into a valued member of the community, not just the practice.

Holding regular internal meetings is a great way to increase communication throughout the office.1 This could be as an entire staff or just physicians. Often new physicians may want to run ideas by experienced physicians in the practice to get information that they can use for future patients. This small-time investment is a fantastic way to build a sense of loyalty and heartfelt appreciation to the new physician.

Helping incorporate some of these ideas can help your new physician feel at home. To see for yourself how Practice Fusion can help physicians whether new to a practice or not, click here to try the system for yourself at no cost for two full weeks.

References:

  1. https://www.physicianspractice.com/jobs/7-ways-help-new-physicians-succeed