Discussion topic:
Select two publications. One is a trade magazine and one is a professional journal (peer-reviewed). Follow the instructions for activity for comparing/contrasting the 2 types of articles.
Discussion post:
Trade magazines can be a great way to share information about interesting developments in a given field of work or study. Trade publications often bring attention to developing news and present interesting attention grabbing articles for any reader interested learning more about an industry. Information in these magazines is written and published by professionals who cater to the reader’s interests by focusing on shorter unformal articles.^1 One example is the article Door to the Future?^2 found in Radiology Today. I will provide a brief summary of this article while taking a look at some of its key points and follow up with a critique of the article’s strengths and weakness.
The article Door to the Future?^2 delves into the topic of how the radiologist and patient relationship may develop in the coming years. Sabatini briefly explains how “current fee for service” billing practices are shifting toward a “value-based” reimbursement system. She details how future medical systems will require more of their physicians to provide optimum patient care. One such solution cited to improve care is increased patient access to personal electronic medical records (EMR). The author admits many health care networks are beginning to use patient accessible electronic portals to allow easy access to medical data. However, radiology departments are lagging behind because of the demands that radiographic images place on an electronic portal system. One proposed solution is the increased usage of cloud storage and access that will enable patients and other health care facilities access to information without requiring use of special programs to present data. Sabatini does identify that some physicians have reservations about this proposal. It may require more work on the physician’s part to present and explain findings. Additionally, increased access can cause patients undue stress when they read a result that he or she may not fully understand. Although, these concerns may be valid the author feels these questions have solutions and one may be that radiologists must transition from isolated reading rooms to a more patient present one. Another issue identified was patient accessibility and actual use of these portals as they become available. Some research suggests that underrepresented and minority patients do not have access their electronically available information. To counter this Sabatini cites a study that shows increased use of EMR systems since the topic was last investigated. This article closes by pointing out that patient needs are evolving along with insurance and reimbursement requirements. The article ultimately conveys that change is inevitable and radiologists who do not change may be left by the wayside.
This article begins with an intriguing title which immediately captured my attention. The future of the medical field is an interesting and sometimes controversial topic and as a worker in the medical field it is a great concern for me. I found that Sabitini^2 does a good job of describing the current role of EMR and patient portal use in the medical field. However, the article mentions “fee-for service” and “value based” reimbursement several times without giving a good explanation of what each term means. I did appreciate how the author pointed out benefits and drawbacks to some issues such as the concerns of radiologists. The presentation of points and counterpoints makes it easier for the reader to make informed decisions and reach his or her own conclusion. In some cases, the article jumps around a bit much which might be hard for some readers to follow. I feel a little fat trimming would lead to a more concise and impactful article but the author does present a lot of information. In short, as a medical professional I found this article interesting, it will be beneficial to know what kind of changes to expect within my workplace. However, I wonder how these changes will carry over specifically to my work in radiation oncology and if it will ultimately lead to changes in my career.
References
Select two publications. One is a trade magazine and one is a professional journal (peer-reviewed). Follow the instructions for activity for comparing/contrasting the 2 types of articles.
Discussion post:
Trade magazines can be a great way to share information about interesting developments in a given field of work or study. Trade publications often bring attention to developing news and present interesting attention grabbing articles for any reader interested learning more about an industry. Information in these magazines is written and published by professionals who cater to the reader’s interests by focusing on shorter unformal articles.^1 One example is the article Door to the Future?^2 found in Radiology Today. I will provide a brief summary of this article while taking a look at some of its key points and follow up with a critique of the article’s strengths and weakness.
The article Door to the Future?^2 delves into the topic of how the radiologist and patient relationship may develop in the coming years. Sabatini briefly explains how “current fee for service” billing practices are shifting toward a “value-based” reimbursement system. She details how future medical systems will require more of their physicians to provide optimum patient care. One such solution cited to improve care is increased patient access to personal electronic medical records (EMR). The author admits many health care networks are beginning to use patient accessible electronic portals to allow easy access to medical data. However, radiology departments are lagging behind because of the demands that radiographic images place on an electronic portal system. One proposed solution is the increased usage of cloud storage and access that will enable patients and other health care facilities access to information without requiring use of special programs to present data. Sabatini does identify that some physicians have reservations about this proposal. It may require more work on the physician’s part to present and explain findings. Additionally, increased access can cause patients undue stress when they read a result that he or she may not fully understand. Although, these concerns may be valid the author feels these questions have solutions and one may be that radiologists must transition from isolated reading rooms to a more patient present one. Another issue identified was patient accessibility and actual use of these portals as they become available. Some research suggests that underrepresented and minority patients do not have access their electronically available information. To counter this Sabatini cites a study that shows increased use of EMR systems since the topic was last investigated. This article closes by pointing out that patient needs are evolving along with insurance and reimbursement requirements. The article ultimately conveys that change is inevitable and radiologists who do not change may be left by the wayside.
This article begins with an intriguing title which immediately captured my attention. The future of the medical field is an interesting and sometimes controversial topic and as a worker in the medical field it is a great concern for me. I found that Sabitini^2 does a good job of describing the current role of EMR and patient portal use in the medical field. However, the article mentions “fee-for service” and “value based” reimbursement several times without giving a good explanation of what each term means. I did appreciate how the author pointed out benefits and drawbacks to some issues such as the concerns of radiologists. The presentation of points and counterpoints makes it easier for the reader to make informed decisions and reach his or her own conclusion. In some cases, the article jumps around a bit much which might be hard for some readers to follow. I feel a little fat trimming would lead to a more concise and impactful article but the author does present a lot of information. In short, as a medical professional I found this article interesting, it will be beneficial to know what kind of changes to expect within my workplace. However, I wonder how these changes will carry over specifically to my work in radiation oncology and if it will ultimately lead to changes in my career.
References
- Lenards N, Weege M. Reading and Writing in Radiation Therapy and Medical Dosimmetry. [Softchalk]. La Crosse, WI: UW-L Medical Dosimetry Program; Last updated 2016. Accessed Jan. 2017.
- Sabatini J. Door to the Future? Radiology Today. 2017;18(1):20. http://www.radiologytoday.net/archive/rt0117p20.shtml