PROFESSIONVirtual medical group schools physicians in businessTexas Tech University's strategy of offering such a class to residents is the latest evolution of practice management training.By Myrle Croasdale, amednews staff. Feb. 21, 2005. Before residents join a real medical group, Texas Tech University wants them to join a virtual one. Texas Tech's virtual medical group -- complete with case-based scenarios featuring all the paperwork and red tape any practicing physician knows all too well -- is but the latest twist in the continually growing effort to make sure that doctors learn their business skills as well as their clinical skills. What's happening at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine is a microcosm of what's taking place throughout the medical profession. Since managed care came into being, doctors have been looking for ways to regain control over the business side of their practices. The introduction of more government regulations through Medicare and now the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act has only intensified this desire. Like many schools, Texas Tech started its physician business training by offering a master's of business administration program to practicing doctors a few years back. Then it added an MD/MBA program for medical students. Now, with the virtual medical group offered to residents, it's joining a growing group of universities and other entities, such as AMA Solutions, that offer non-degree courses on the basics of practice management for doctors who aren't seeking an MBA. John D. Blair, PhD, director of the Center for Healthcare Leadership and Strategy, part of the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech, said the need for such programs is growing. [...]Full text of American Medical News content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2005 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
|
Feature articlesHealth reform review The Massachusetts experience Litigation stress Being sued is personal as well as professional Comprehensive coverage
Most-viewed
Nov. 9 issueHouse passes health reform bill, debate moves to Senate New database for out-of-network pay set to replace disputed Ingenix system Columns and series
From the vault: 5 years agoGenetic testing issues land in primary care practices Nov. 8, 2004 
|
SHARE
