Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J M Casebolt.
The literature is replete with theoretical discussions of medical quality management, particularly of the measurement of quality in the health care setting. While there is a growing body of knowledge on both quality and its measurement, this author questions whether medical quality can ever be quantified. He says that the concept of quality is still a moving target, so that the value of attempts at quantification can only be short-lived.
In this modern age of communications, with computers, FAX machines, and the videoconference, the decision-making process has been accelerated. Use of the telephone has become more important and intensive. The physician executive must constantly strive to hone the edge of his or her skills to increase productivity and soften the stress of each day. In the 1990s and in the era of health care reform, the physician executive will face increasing pressures and demands. Telephone skills will become increasingly important to organizations and to physician executives' peace of mind. This article considers some fundamental aspects of telephone usage: (1) reasons for provider behavior, (2) the value of the phone as a negotiating tool, (3) suggestions for phone efficiency, (4) guidelines for a successful telephone encounter, and (5) pitfalls.
Volumes have been written about telephone productivity, decorum, behavior, and economic impact. Although every physician is skilled in telephone communication, medical directors must approach this communications modality from a different vantage point. The attending physician uses it as an information receiver and transmittal station. The medical director uses it as a negotiation platform. It is estimated that 50 to 90 percent of the medical director's time is spent on the phone. "Working smarter" can increase productivity to save time and stress. This article identifies and categorizes many of the problems that the medical director deals with on a daily basis. It pertains to phone conversations in which there is a question about a procedure, appropriateness of care, medical necessity, or quality of care.
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