GI Roundtable highlights focus on patient care

Recently I was privileged to be a part of a national GI Roundtable held here in Knoxville. During the course of two days, 130 invited leaders of gastrointestinal practices from across the country came together to discuss health care reform and the future of gastroenterology.

As medical practitioners, we were able to share new methods and technologies that make our practices run more smoothly and improve patient experiences. We discussed everything from practice integration and data exchange to the use of blogging and websites to keep patients informed.

We were also pleased to have former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Sr., MD, as our keynote speaker. He brought us his perspective on health care reform as well as information from the federal government’s point of view. There are many new initiatives which are affecting the practice of medicine, from electronic medical records and new rate structures to breakthrough technologies and medicines.

But the most important take-away for patients from this great forum was the universal emphasis on patient outcomes and quality of care. Through new and better methods of communication, streamlining procedures and information, and more patient involvement in follow-up care, new processes are aimed at better patient care.

It was exciting to have leaders in gastrointestinal medicine here in Knoxville for this event. I appreciate all the information we shared and the opportunity to discuss the newest and best ways to operate an effective practice.

Our health care industry is continually changing. As long as we keep our focus on our patients, we will be headed in the right direction.