 It
has become increasingly important for physicians to anticipate the health care
needs of their patients and provide the appropriate preventive care. The Buffalo
Medical Group (BMG) Health Management Department consists of:
-
nurse
case managers
-
pharmacists
-
medical abstractors
Where are we located?
The department functions
as an extension of the physician in a virtual clinic. The clinic is located
outside of the Primary Care Physician’s (PCP) office.
Who is eligible?
At this time, this service
is offered to diabetic and high cholesterol patients who have Community Blue and
Independent Health.
How do we get our information?
This is accomplished by
reviewing the patients chart after appointments. The data is then recorded in a
computer program allowing the case manager to view clinical information, such as
recent laboratory results, current medication, and recent blood pressure
readings. The case manager contacts each patient by phone and discusses such
issues as daily glucose finger sticks, weight, diet, and blood pressure.
What is the benefit to having a case
manager work with your PCP?
- The case manager contacts patient’s to insure
cholesterol and diabetes laboratory tests, eye exams and colorectal
screening procedures are up to date
- Patients receive their test results and physician’s
recommendations.
- Educational resources are provided to assist patients
in self-management of their health. Patient education is an important part
of health management. Individuals should know how to manage their disease
through necessary life style changes and the appropriate use of medications
as prescribed by their PCP.
- The case manager has the ability to make appointments,
order laboratory tests and arrange appointments with a licensed pharmacist
who will instruct patients on how to use a glucometer and can also teach
insulin administration. Pharmacists are available at 85 High Street,
Buffalo; 295 Essjay Road, Williamsville, and 3345 Southwestern Boulevard in
Orchard Park.
What other
services can the Buffalo Medical Group provide you?
BMG also has a
multi-disciplinary team of specialists to provide comprehensive adult diabetic
care:
- endocrinologists
- ophthalmologists
- nephrologists
- vascular surgeons
The virtual clinic concept has
been cited by the Institute for Health Care Improvement as an example of an
innovative strategy for enhancing patient care. This concept represents the
cutting edge in preventive medical care as recommended by the Institute of
Medicine. The use of virtual clinics has assisted the BMG Primary Care Division
to better manage patients’ health needs.
To contact the
BMG Health Management Department,
please call 716-857-8727
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