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top docs
2014

Crane: In my practice, we have more
In your opinion, has the primary care doctor, so a good relation-
length of patient appoint-
time per patient than most outpatient ship with the primary doctor/midlevel
clinics. however, I think that the qual- ments/time spent with provider and care team is critical to

ity of the time spent with each patient the physician increased, overall health and quality of life.
is more important than quantity. We (as decreased, or remained

in me) need to spend more time listen- the same over the past 10 As medical costs are on
ing and less time talking.
years? Why do you think the rise, has the increase

that is?
been enough to offset
increased costs incurred
Dodd: Again, I am so lucky to have
chosen a field where I actually feel as if The length of appointment
by hospitals and medical

I’m a part of the families I care for. de- time has relatively remained organizations? What are
livering their babies and helping them consistent over the past 10 years; how- some costs of healthcare

through significant changes in their ever, we have streamlined processes that most people probably
don’t think about?
lives tends to bond my patients to me in and worked to increase efficiency so
emotional and significant ways. At this that more patients can be accommo-

point in my career, I’m usually meeting dated within a day. With Electronic As with any industry or busi-
new patients with the introduction, Medical Record and other technologi- ness, costs are anticipated to

“You delivered me, dr. dodd.” Makes cal advances, we are able to treat and rise over time—and healthcare is no
me feel quite old.
diagnose differently than we did 10 different. At Summit, we contract with

years ago. We’ve increased volume of insurance providers to make sure that

care and expanded quality.
our services remain affordable and
accessible.

Some healthcare costs that consum-
What are the concerns ers may not think about include opera-

that physicians bring tional expenses such as deploying Elec-
The number to you most frequently?
of doctors in tronic Medical Record, and investing in
What about patients?
the infrastructure from a technological
our clinic has
and real estate standpoint to effectively
remained Physicians, along with the
support the smooth operations of a

constant while healthcare community overall, medical group—especially one of Sum-
the patient
have concerns about the changing mit’s size that employs more than 1,300
volume has risen healthcare landscape, how the Af- employees and has more than 300,000

exponentially. fordable Care Act will impact patient primary care consumers.
panels, and what changes primary care
–Dr. Monica Crane
will be making over time to adapt to What would you say to a
the changing landscape. The emphasis patient who was concerned

is on quality of care, with a proactive about not being able to see
his or her doctor anymore?
approach to wellness and prevention.
our goal is to provide the right care at

the right time, in the right setting, in I would say that at Summit,
the manner that is most beneficial for our goal is to work daily to

our consumers.
ensure that we expand our services and
medical administration
In my role as Chief Executive officer, provide quality care for all those who
is a complex field in its own right—and I have the opportunity to interact with choose Summit as their provider. We

an essential component of the system patients/consumers frequently. I do will continue to play a vital role in the
that administers healthcare to all Ten- know that our consumers are increas- primary healthcare community in East

nesseans. Cityview asked Tim Young, ingly concerned about access, insur- Tennessee, increasing services and in-

the CEo of Summit Medical group,
ance, and affordability. Consumers are stilling confidence in our consumers.
to answer a few questions about an also concerned about wellness and pre-

administrator’s view of these issues. vention and what they can do now pro- We asked medical professionals about their
The Summit Medical group includes actively to ensure that health problems thoughts on changing healthcare laws—

218 physicians at more than 50 offices in do not develop later on. often, initial and now we want to hear from you! Email
East Tennessee.
diseases and illnesses are found by the
editorial@cityviewmag.com to share your story.

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cityviewmag.com maRcH aPRiL 2014