"Amazing Charts is improving the efficiency of small practices, making it a company that is doing it right in a space that is unclaimed."
This quote from John Squire is spot on IMHO.
The evolution of the Hospitalist, ever growing hospital based out patient primary care physician, and dominant government pushed EHR's, one would think a statement like John makes is ludicrous especially when confirmed on a daily basis by the pharmaceutical reps with that shared glint of questioning in their eye, thinking will this private practice grunt out last my sit down with the regional manager out of Salt Lake City next month.
However, I think several factors support the quoted perspective. Good old horse sense running a business, maintaining one's overhead, improved efficiencies and delivering a product second to none, will continue to keep the small owned and operated primary care office in business.
More onerous requirements to qualify for the meaningful use monies will no longer makes sense to chase, and the penalties will be offset by the improved efficiencies. The small office will be able to rather focus on improved care and not governmental incentives.
Frustration with the employed hospital based primary care out patient model, overseeing physician extenders and losing direct patient care, and decreasing incomes and enhancing liabilities will be an impetus to look for alternatives.
As two diverging delivery models of primary care become more apparent, the outpatient self owned versus hospital owned, patient preference for the model that delivers personal, efficient and well coordinated care wins.
Even though I feel as isolated as a mutineer on the Isle of Pitcairn in the 1790's with this perception, I sense a shift in primary care going back to the private practice model, especially with the affordable and improved technology inherently captured with AC/Updox.
