“Although we don’t have appointment times set aside for this [advanced scheduling], none of my colleagues have ever turned down a request to see a new patient at the end of their scheduled appointments. Nor have I denied any of their scheduling requests,” he says.
The clinic is a one-stop center for lupus patients, equipped to perform laboratory and cardiology testing and imaging services. Physical therapy and occupational therapy services are also on site. Dr. Jarjour says, “Most diagnostics for a lupus patient can be done at our clinic.”
Additionally, the clinic is exploring how technology can transform inner waiting rooms into interactive areas equipped with iPads, giving patients the opportunity to learn about their conditions, clinical trials and new medications. This innovative design will empower patients to take an active role in their care and work in partnership with their providers, which has been demonstrated to improve outcomes for rheumatology and nephrology patients.1
Final Thoughts
“There are many lupus clinics across the country, but having several specialties caring for patients together in the same space isn’t a frequent occurrence,” Dr. Jarjour concludes. “However, I am seeing growth in this trend nationwide, which is good, because having a team of physicians at one facility address all of a patient’s issues is the best way to deliver optimal care.”
Karen Appold is a medical writer in Pennsylvania.
Reference
- Patel V, Hale TM, Palakodeti S, et al. Prescription tablets in the digital age: a cross-sectional study exploring patient and physician attitudes toward the use of tablets for clinic-based personalized health care information exchange. JMIR Res Protoc. 2015 Oct 19;4(4):e116. doi: 10.2196/resprot.3806.
