(e)Merging Practice Growth Trends:

  November Update

Verkamp Receives MGMA-ACMPE Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award

The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the American College of Medical Practice Executives - MGMA's certification and standard-setting body - have named Jamie Verkamp, Managing Partner at (e)Merge, as the recipients of the 2011 Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award.   This award represents exceptional achievements in medical practice leadership.

  The Edward B. Stevens Article of the Year Award recognizes a medical practice professional who has made a substantial contribution to the body of published literature to foster more effective and efficient healthcare delivery in the field of medical practice management.

  The article, "Titled Social Media as a Way to Connect with Patients" was published in the MGMA Connexion July 2010. Verkamp focuses on explaining the basics of social media in healthcare and how organizations and providers alike can use new media tools as ways to engage patients online, develop stronger relationships with patients and grow recommendation volumes through online conversations.

  "I am so proud of Jamie for winning the award this year.  I have known Jamie for over three years and never have I found a more energetic and authentic professional in our field.  Jamie exemplifies a true passion for working with physicians and medical practices and I am very honored to have the privilege to have her as a friend and colleague." says Stephen Gebhart, Director Advanced ICU Care Medical Group in St. Louis, MO and Treasurer of the MGMA Missouri Chapter.

  Verkamp says of receiving this year's distinction; "I'm honored to have this article on a topic that I feel very passionate about and believe is very important to healthcare, recognized by such a distinguished organization like MGMA."

October's Highlights:

Jamie Verkamp has been out and about speaking to a variety of groups this month and attending several valuable conferences.  One such conference attended was the Mayo Clinic's annual social media conference in Rochester, Minnesota.  While attending this event, Jamie picked up a plethora of tips and tricks relating to the latest in social media.  With the wide range of social media applications now available for use and the rapid pace of advancement for each of these sites, staying on top of the trend is a challenge for all involved in the field.  The Mayo Clinic's conference was a great way for us to brush up on our social media knowledge and continue to venture further into the world of staying connected!

Put it into Practice!

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians; there are five tips that can be learned from great salespeople to assist in generating patient satisfaction, patient compliance and ultimately increasing the patient experience:

• Establish a sense of trust; when patients trust they are more likely to follow advice and treatment plant
• Discover a patients' actual needs through effective listening and inquiry
• Dialogue don't monologue
• Don't force "the close"
• Always follow up

These five tips are key to developing strong patient/practitioner relationships that through trust creates a strong foundation to build upon leading to high levels of satisfaction and ultimately to a better patient experience.

How does your Practice Measure Up?

With our exhaustive 130 point mystery shopping review, you'll know the answer. Give us a call or email Jamie today to discuss how our mystery shopping services can ensure practice growth in 2011!