Scripps Innovative Primary Care Model Garners Media Attention

The San Diego Business Journal recently looked at what local health systems are doing to address projections of a pending physician shortage across the country. Scripps was included in the article but framed the question a bit differently: What are forward-thinking health systems doing to create more efficient workflows in medical offices? At Scripps, the answer is plenty.

Kevin Hirsch, MD, president of Scripps Coastal Medical Group, explained the innovative clinical-team approach that Scripps is taking to increase access to care, provide more physician-patient time and improve overall satisfaction. In addition to primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other supporting staff are playing significant roles in this patient-centered, clinical-team approach.

“We want everyone to function at their highest level of licensure,” Dr. Hirsch told the Business Journal. “In other words, don’t have a doctor filling out forms that a clerical person can do. Have a doctor doing doctor things. Working smarter for our patients is really what it’s all about.”

“When workflow is efficient and effective, everybody’s happy,” Dr. Hirsch added.

Scripps was in the process of completing a pilot phase at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center locations in North County, according to the article.

Read the entire story in the San Diego Business Journal (subscription only).