The Triangle of Precision

Healthcare reform is upon us, and with the need to expand resources and limit spending, hospitals look toward administration and physicians to streamline the work done in their organizations.

Doing their part through Franciscan Physicians Hospital are Drs. Mark Kevin, MD in internal medicine, Sheldon Lewis, MD in internal medicine, and Anil Ranginani, MD in cardiology. These doctors work closely together to save lives in the Northwest Indiana region.

The process of treatment and healing for patients is often a long and challenging road. Drs. Lewis, Kevin and Ranginani challenge each other to dissipate communication barriers and improve the healing process for their patients.

Several systems allow these individuals to streamline their communicative efforts. Dr. Lewis, director of the Hospitalist program at FPH, notes, "We use CPSI, FPH's electronic medical record, to admit patients. We check off the orders that are needed, at which point the primary internist will call a consultant for assistance, if necessary."

Dr. Kevin notes that his work through the Hammond Clinic allows use of several computer programs. Communication through these programs helps coordinate the procedures and care taking place at FPH. "We keep close contact in regards to the patients," says Dr. Kevin. "Ranginani, Lewis and I discuss issues in terms of making sure things run in a timely and caring fashion."

Dr. Ranginani notes that consistent contact is always maintained, ensuring each patient is cared for directly. "We use many channels to communicate including page, text, email and phone calls. The severity of the situation determines the method of communication." He adds that "ease of communication expedites patient care. We communicate well and have a high level of confidence in each other in the quality of care we provide."

"While one of the biggest challenges is hands on discussion about the patient, it's also one of the most important aspects of what we do. The ease of communication and coordination of care allows us to quickly share our expertise and get the patient the care they need. There is a high comfort level knowing that we have immediate contact with each other, and with specialists in many medical areas," adds Dr. Lewis.

These three physicians are consistent in providing top-level health care. Their understanding of communication necessity is exemplified through the coordination of care they give to each and every patient.

"Between all of our actions, we're following the patient from beginning to end to make sure they recover to the fullest of their ability," notes Dr. Lewis.