by Andrea Epstein
The intersection between technology and health care covers a sweeping range of opportunities and challenges –ranging from patient access to medical information to the implementation of a valid, cost-effective EMR system. We all know that the technology revolution is not slowing down, as social networking has swept up everyone from children to seniors in a world of instant communication and all of the complications that this ready-access to information brings with it. As technology interfaces with health care, what are the implications to specific medical specialties? No doubt they are complex and variable depending upon the actual specialty and patients treated. In this issue, we delve into the impact of technology on the field of Phlebology. In the pages that follow, we give you some added insights into the latest technology tools you can use to build your vein practice, tackle the subject of using EMRs to build a communication-centric practice, and address how the Internet can broaden patient awareness about prevalent and severe conditions such as DVT.
A year ago, our cover story featured the news that the first UIP World congress would be held in Boston in 2012. This was big news, and much of the credit for bringing this preeminent world Phlebology meeting to the U.S was attributed to a team at the AcP headed by Dr. Nick Morrison. It is no coincidence, then, that in this issue, one year later, we take the opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Morrison, who completes his two year term as AcP President this November. As this issue’s featured physician, he candidly shares his insight on the goals and accomplishments that took place under his ACP leadership.
The ever-changing insurance landscape for venous procedures remains a hot topic and this issue-is no exception. In Dr. Marlin Schul’s “change is coming” editorial, he addresses the most recent changes in coverage by United Health care and the increasing pressure for addressing these challenges through an organized, proactive strategy. And in our popular Education column by Steve Elias, MD, his interview with cBS Medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton proves to reinforce this issue’s theme: namely, that the Internet as a broad medium may prove to be the most cost-effective approach to building patient awareness of conditions such as DVT, encouraging their pursuit of earlier intervention and treatment.
I hope you find the enclosed pages filled with useful information for your practice and your patients. Whether you seek to build your patient base through social networks and web visibility, or increase patient access to the very information that drives them to seek your care, with the right mindset, support and savvy, the Internet can be a powerful asset for you vein practice.
As always, we invite you to send your insights, experience and perspective to [email protected] so we can continue to bring you the features, briefs and updates that keep your practice on the cutting edge of vein care.
Thank you for your continued support of VEIN Magazine.
All the best,
Andrea Epstein
Editor-in-chief
