Integrated Healthcare : Care , Connection , and Collaboration
“ Integrated healthcare ” is a term often used these days . But what does it really mean ? Pioneered by some of the nation ’ s leading healthcare networks , including Scott & White , this collaborative way of practicing medicine is now regarded as the future of healthcare delivery .
The essence of integrated care is to put the patient first . Health system resources are supported by extraordinary clinical talent , advanced technology , and an electronic medical record ( EMR ) system . Implemented in August 2013 at the Scott & White hospital and clinics in College Station , the EMR system makes it easier for clinicians to access patient histories and reduces duplication of services . The EMR system stores comprehensive patient records that can be accessed securely from anywhere in the Scott & White system . If a patient is seen in Georgetown , Waco , Temple , Round Rock , or another location , the records are available to caregivers at all Scott & White hospitals and clinics . The EMR also has reporting capabilities that will help Scott & White evaluate treatment protocols , shape best practices , and improve the healthcare of patient populations . ( See the November 2012 issue of The Catalyst for more on Scott & White ’ s EMR system .)
When all of these resources come together , caregivers develop a personalized plan to not only treat illness , but also to promote health and wellness for each patient . For patients served by Scott & White , these resources include physicians and all caregivers who have convenient access to hospitals and clinics for primary care and a seamless connection to the depth and breadth of specialty care services , medical research , and the latest medical technology offered by the system . With all these facets offered through one healthcare system , care can be delivered more efficiently and cost effectively . More importantly , it is personalized to meet the individual needs of each patient .
“ The way we deliver care — and the way we have historically practiced at Scott & White — translates to lower costs , better outcomes , and healthier communities . It means giving patients a better value for their healthcare dollars ,” says David L . Hackethorn , MD , College Station clinic ’ s former medical director .
“ We believe our model is the right one ,” agrees J . James Rohack , MD , one of the College Station clinic ’ s original physicians , a past president of the American Medical Association , and a national healthcare thought leader . “ Integrated healthcare is now being recognized by the government and other organizations as a way of providing better care to more people for lower costs ,” he says .
Scott & White ’ s physicians passionately believe in the concept of team care bolstered by medical education and research . Dr . Rayburn says , “ It gives us a bandwidth that smaller group practices don ’ t have . We are drawing our strength not just from our own superb regional staff but from the expertise of specialists and subspecialists across the whole system .” sw . org | November 13 The Catalyst 9