Practice Information

The IMP Design Model

Steward Family Medicine follows the IMP (Ideal Medical Practice) medical model. This model harkens back to the old “family doc” ideal of years past combined with the latest in information technology.

The traditional “family doc” of years past had a limited number of patients. He also had personal relationships with his patients and their families that lasted over many years. As time went on and medicine became more complicated and expensive, insurance companies entered into the doctor- patient relationship. To deal with insurance and expanding medical technology, many physicians added staff in the office to the point where ever increasing numbers of patients were needed to offset overhead costs. In many physician offices today, overhead costs sometimes reach greater than 70% of practice income.

We feel a huge office with multiple employees is simply unworkable. This kind of practice leaves the patient feeling rushed through the “assembly line” and the doctor feeling he is restricted from practicing what he knows to be good medicine.

Thus, the choice of the IMP model. By using the latest in information technology (internet, electronic medical records, electronic lab results, e-mail, voice recognition software for dictation, etc.), we can cut overhead staff costs and give our time to the patient-doctor relationship instead of paperwork.

Using the latest information technology is also beneficial to our patients in that lab results come back quicker, patients can change/make appointments during after hours, and patient charts are easily recalled and searched. Most beneficial is the time afforded for building a close doctor-patient relationship.

Practice Features

ON-LINE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING

Simply use the Appointments link to the left and you’ll be able to make/change/cancel your own appointments at a time that works for you. During your next/initial visit, you’ll be asked to create an ID and password which you can use for all of your future scheduling. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can phone the office, leave a message on voicemail, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

RESERVED APPOINTMENTS FOR SAME DAY URGENT CARE

Not only can you make an appointment on-line at your convenience, you can also be assured to see Dr. Steward the same day (or the next day) for urgent care issues (sprains, sore throat, simple lacerations, etc.). Every day has time blocked in for same day appointments. The evening before, these blocks are released to the on-line schedule so you can come in and be seen right away. We reserve these appointments for same day needs because the whole point of having a doctor is being able to get in to see him when you need him.

OFFICE HOURS/AFTER HOURS

Since many patients prefer not to miss work for appointments, we open at 7am for all services, including lab blood draws. The office closes at 3:30 pm, but Dr. Steward will take after hours call Monday thru Thursday – simply call the office number and you will be forwarded to Dr. Steward. (We understand that there are times you must call after hours; however, please respect Dr. Steward’s family time and restrict such calls to urgent matters only.) On Fridays and weekends, after hours calls will be forwarded to the call group Dr. Steward belongs to. Again, simply call the office and you will be forwarded to the doctor on call that weekend.

      Annual Office Holiday Closures:
      New Years Day
      Memorial Day
      Thanksgiving Day
      Christmas Day
      Independance Day
      Labor Day

ELECTRONIC RECORDS/LABS

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are established for all current and new patients. Lab results are downloaded into the EMRs, so your chart will be completely electronic. This allows Dr. Steward to scan for specific information during your visit and do a quick comparison of trends in your treatment for on-going conditions. Lab results can also be sent to you via secure (encrypted) e-mail when requested.

SECURE ENCRYPTED E-MAIL

Because there are only two people in the office (Dr. Steward and his medical assistant, Chris) e-mail will be the primary form of NON-EMERGENCY/NON-URGENT communication (requests for forms, questions on your medication, etc.). Steward Family Medicine, in compliance with information privacy legislation, offers access to a secure, encrypted e-mail system. This makes is possible to share sensitive medical information via e-mail while protecting your personal privacy and complying with HIPAA laws. HIPAA, which stands for the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is a set of rules to be followed by doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. HIPAA took effect on April 14, 2006. HIPAA compliance mandates that all medical records, medical billing, and patient accounts meet certain consistent standards with regard to documentation, handling and privacy. In addition, HIPAA requires that all patients be able access their own medical records, correct errors or omissions, and be informed how personal information is shared used. Other provisions involve notification of privacy procedures to the patient. HIPAA provisions that have led in many cases to extensive overhauling with regard to medical records and billing systems. Subtitle D of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act), enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and addresses the privacy and security concerns associated with the electronic transmission of health information.

If you choose not to use this system for your medical needs, you can also use your personal e-mail with the understanding that such non-encrypted e-mail addresses (Hotmail, Yahoo, gci.net, etc.) may be compromised since they are not secure. If you choose the latter option, we will ask you to sign a simple waiver form on your first/next visit.


See more about our digital office here: News