KG and VFC published online!

Here is a link to an article about Village Family Clinic and the technology used to accomplish successful patient care.

http://amazingcharts.com/why-us/hear-what-users-say/kristina-garrido-case-study/

SECOND YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

It is our 2nd anniversary with many positive changes for the next year. Now that we are open 6 days a week (with the addition of Lisa Garcia, ARNP) there will be plenty of convenient appointments for everyone. Also, I am on the board of Ideal Medical Practices, a non-profit dedicated to saving primary care by encouraging and educating small practices about their business and latest technology. I hope to help other doctors and nurse practitioners to practice medicine without getting on the "hamster wheel."

I appreciate your continued patronage and support -- I could not have done it without you! -- KG

It’s time to collaborate—not compete—with NPs — The Journal of Family Practice

It’s time to collaborate—not compete—with NPs — The Journal of Family Practice

All the Best

Going on the second year in solo practice and very thankful for all of you -- have a wonderful, healthy holiday season!

HIPPA laws and VFC

Just so you know -- new rules are coming that will regulate email and privacy even more. It may be required that we log in to a secure server to communicate by email. This will not be free for you or me, but I do not think it will be prohibitively expensive, and may offer opportunities for virtual visits. These are the current rules on emails from Health and Human Services (HHS):

Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule permit health care providers to use e-mail to discuss health issues and treatment with their patients?

Answer:

Yes. The Privacy Rule allows covered health care providers to communicate electronically, such as through e-mail, with their patients, provided they apply reasonable safeguards when doing so. See 45 C.F.R. § 164.530(c). For example, certain precautions may need to be taken when using e-mail to avoid unintentional disclosures, such as checking the e-mail address for accuracy before sending, or sending an e-mail alert to the patient for address confirmation prior to sending the message. Further, while the Privacy Rule does not prohibit the use of unencrypted e-mail for treatment-related communications between health care providers and patients, other safeguards should be applied to reasonably protect privacy, such as limiting the amount or type of information disclosed through the unencrypted e-mail. In addition, covered entities will want to ensure that any transmission of electronic protected health information is in compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule requirements at 45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart C.

Note that an individual has the right under the Privacy Rule to request and have a covered health care provider communicate with him or her by alternative means or at alternative locations, if reasonable. See 45 C.F.R. § 164.522(b). For example, a health care provider should accommodate an individual’s request to receive appointment reminders via e-mail, rather than on a postcard, if e-mail is a reasonable, alternative means for that provider to communicate with the patient. By the same token, however, if the use of unencrypted e-mail is unacceptable to a patient who requests confidential communications, other means of communicating with the patient, such as by more secure electronic methods, or by mail or telephone, should be offered and accommodated.

Patients may initiate communications with a provider using e-mail. If this situation occurs, the health care provider can assume (unless the patient has explicitly stated otherwise) that e-mail communications are acceptable to the individual. If the provider feels the patient may not be aware of the possible risks of using unencrypted e-mail, or has concerns about potential liability, the provider can alert the patient of those risks, and let the patient decide whether to continue e-mail communications.

NPR Talk of the Nation -- About Nurse Practitioners

This is a long interview but very positive for nurse practitioners, especially those in solo practice.

http://www.npr.org/2010/11/16/131361359/role-of-nurses-in-primary-care-may-expand

Lisa had the baby!

Kelton was born on September 28 -- mom and baby are doing great and Lisa says hubby Chad is ready to do some father-son bonding and she is ready to work Fridays and Saturdays in December. Here is a little more information about your new nurse practitioner (from the website):

"Lisa Garcia graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Brigham Young University. She began a Master’s degree in Pathology at Indiana University before deciding that while she loved the things she learned working in a medical laboratory, she wanted something more. She was thrilled when she learned about Nurse Practitioners and their unique role in healthcare, and immediately began a Family Nurse Practitioner program at Seattle University. Lisa enjoys the opportunity to teach her patients and enable them to improve their health. Lisa is excited to join Kristina at Village Family Clinic. She interned with Kristina during her time as a student, and enjoys the warm and caring environment that Kristina has created. She likes the opportunity to spend time with each patient, focusing on health and wellness. She also appreciates the kindness and welcome that Kristina’s patients showed her during her internship!

Lisa and her husband Chad have lived in the Seattle area for 3 years, and love the green trees, mountains, and variety of community activities. They have one son, Kelton. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and scrapbooking."