Satellite clinics in academic ophthalmology programs: an exploratory study of successes and challenges

Author:

Kuo Irene C

Abstract

Abstract Background Major academic ophthalmology departments have been expanding by opening multi-office locations (“satellites”). This paper offers a first glimpse into satellites of academic ophthalmology departments. Methods Leaders of seven medium to large, geographically diverse departments agreed to participate. One- to two-hour phone interviews were conducted to assess the features of their satellite practices. Results Success as clinical entities, profitability, and access to patients were stated goals for most satellites. In approximate descending order, refractive surgery, retina, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology were the most common subspecialties offered. Faculty staffing ranged from recruitment specifically for satellites to rotation of existing faculty. Except for a department with only one academic track, satellite doctors were a mix of tenure and mostly non-tenure track faculty. According to these department leaders, scholarly productivity of satellite faculty was similar to that of colleagues at the main campus, though research was more community-based and clinical in nature. Fellowship but little resident education occurred at satellites. Though it was agreed that satellite practices were integral to department finances, they accounted for a smaller percentage of revenues than of total departmental visits. Conclusions Satellite offices have offered access to a better payor mix and have boosted the finances of academic ophthalmology departments. Challenges include maintaining collegiality with referring community physicians, integrating faculty despite geographic distance, preserving the department’s academic “brand name,” and ensuring consistent standards and operating procedures. Satellite clinics will likely help departments meet some of the challenges of health care reform.

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Subject

Ophthalmology,General Medicine

Reference14 articles.

1. Helzner J: Major eye centers in expansion mode: should independent practices in their orbit be concerned?. Ophthalmol Manag. 2011, 55-58. http://www.ophmanagement.com/article.aspx?article=105236). Accessed 10/21/2011

2. Bentley JD, Chusid J, D’Antuono GR, Kelly JV, Tower DB: Faculty practice plans: the organization and characteristics of academic medical practice. Acad Med. 1991, 66: 433-439. 10.1097/00001888-199108000-00002.

3. Important events in NEI history. http://www.nei.nih.gov/neihistory/historical_events.asp. Accessed 5/22/2012

4. Research to prevent blindness. 1960, http://www.rpbusa.org/rpb/about/page_1/. Accessed 5/22/2012, –2010

5. McCracken JS: Major ambulatory surgery of the ophthalmic patient. Surg Clin N Am. 1967, 67: 881-891.

Cited by 6 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3