Our Primary Care Partners continued
easy for referring physicians to keep up to date on their patients ’ care because Scott & White pediatric specialists communicate directly with them , often in real time , through the comprehensive electronic medical records ( EMR ) system . It can be accessed throughout the healthcare system , and its benefits are significant . The EMR system can save caregivers time and help patients receive follow-up care faster . ( See the Spring 2011 issue of THE CATALYST for more information on EMR .) For example , when one of Dr . Burke ’ s patients needs an X-ray , he can order the test and then call the radiologist so they can discuss the image results while simultaneously viewing the same image . Patients benefit , too . “ In the old days we ’ d have to wait days for the report or get our hands on the X-ray ourselves ,” he says . “ Now I can call patients the same day with the results .” New software also lets primary care physicians and specialists enter notes about a patient ’ s visit just as soon as the appointment is over . If the patient is headed to other appointments that day , the specialist can be updated on any issues that arise before the family even arrives at the office .
The hospital system makes it easy for parents , too , to access pediatric specialists at the Children ’ s Hospital in Temple , and at Scott & White Hospital - Round Rock . Pediatric specialists see patients at many other Scott & White clinics throughout the region as well .
Many of the patients who visit Scott & White pediatric specialists are referred from other primary care physician practices in Texas . Shannon Duble , MD , a pediatrician in private practice in Killeen refers to subspecialists at Scott & White for patients with complicated medical
“ The role of the pediatrician or family physician is to look at the whole picture , and that can include pulling in other members of the pediatric team .”
— Robert E . Burke , MD
Dr . Shannon Duble prepares to examine Liam Murdough at her pediatric practice in Killeen .
problems , such as diabetes or congenital heart disease . “ This is great because patients can maintain their relationship with their primary care physician while still receiving necessary subspecialty care at Scott & White ,” says Dr . Duble .
“ As technology improves , we get more timely feedback from specialists at Scott & White about our patients ,” says Dr . Duble . The consultation notes from Scott & White subspecialists facilitate communication with primary care physicians by addressing patient recommendations and follow-up care . That ’ s good news because in some instances , Dr . Duble ’ s patients can have an initial consultation with the subspecialist and then be able to follow up in her office . This can save time for patients and families , and make their experience much easier . ■
To find a pediatrician or family practice physician near you , please call 877-724-KIDS ( 5437 ) or 254-724-KIDS ( 5437 ). Or visit sw . org and click on the " Find a Provider " link .
38 THE CATALYST Fall 11 | sw . org