Educate According to Pew Internet, 72% of internet users say they looked online for health information within the past year.  While this shows a positive trend in consumers taking an interest in their health, this percentage can also bring issues as those seeking information online begin to “self-diagnose” while viewing incorrect or fictitious medical advice. 

It comes as no shock that our patients possess a variety of personality types and traits.  Some consumers’ lives are filled with a steady stream of appointments and “must-dos”, while others lead a more leisurely lifestyle.  There are patients who are repulsed by the thought of having to sit through a congenial conversation with a

Being part of the Facebook generation, I was twelve years old when it really took off in 2004, using social media to stay connected and up to date is all I know. I remember when Facebook was for college students…only. It was such a big deal if you got to experience this revolutionary network. Thinking

It seems each time we introduce a new practice to the world of social media; there are an equal amount of smiles and nods as there are scowls and frowns.  Social media continues to get a bad rep, especially in the healthcare field, where many believe it does not belong.  Like the outcast pushed aside

Change continues to take place around us, whether it is in our habits, the motions we go through or the means in which we communicate…. processes evolve.  In today’s world, there is an extreme focus on simplification.  Society strives to simplify everything around us in an attempt to create more available time.  We get our

How does an organization with roughly 760,000 employees worldwide maintain positive customer service scores? With an 8 point increase in customer service ratings in 2011 (American Customer Service Index), McDonald’s has built an admirable organization with strong customer service values. Excellent customer service skills are not naturally occurring in most humans, but with proper training

HIPAA violations; one of those things you watch happen to others, but never see happening to yourself… and then it does. This is the current reality for a small cardiothoracic practice in Prescott, Arizona. While this penalty ($100,000) may shy in comparison to 2011’s $4.3 million HIPAA penalty assessed to Cignet Health in Maryland, this

As healthcare continues to advance in it’s adoption and involvement in the social media space, fortunately, we see more and more physicians “dipping their toes” into what many consider uncharted waters. Patients, caregivers and the vast population of online health information seekers stand to gain insurmountable value from this interest and participation by physicians. With

An article from HealthLeaders August 2011 edition gives us a detailed look at where patient experience initiatives rank among importance throughout various healthcare organizations. While 55% of respondents ranked patient experience within their top five priorities; the more alarming statistic relates to the 22% reporting “an abundance of higher priorities” and the 11% deeming a

Communication is, without a doubt, the basis of Social Media.  Unfortunately, for the millions of businesses around the world operating Facebook Fan Pages, we are unable to directly communicate with our fans without the entire Facebook community viewing our message.  As many of you are aware, Facebook removed the direct message feature from Fan Pages;