2010 Open Letter to Nanopractice PDX Commnuity
15 January 2010
Dear Friends of Nanopractice PDX,
Greetings! I am pleased to report that we are fast approaching the second anniversary of Nanopractice PDX and that things are going swell. Who knew that the giant risk of leaving big medicine would lead to such an excellent adventure? As you know, I set out to create a smaller, nimbler medical practice where the doc actually knows her patients and the care is truly relationship-based. My ongoing intention has been to create a place where patients feel heard, receive high quality, cost-effective care, have greater access to their medical provider, and are invested in the practice because of these attributes. Many of my colleagues could not understand why I would take on all the added responsibility and complexity of this venture while virtually ensuring myself a drastic pay cut. The answer for me was simple- this is my version of practicing medicine with meaning and integrity. Added integrity in how I do my work in the world fuels my late nights and weekend tasks and the fondness and admiration I have for my community makes the medicine I practice full of relevance and meaning. Of course I could do none of this without the willing participation and commitment of a group of people like you. Thanks for allowing me into your lives and for your confidence and cooperation!
2009 brought many exciting experiences. I was fortunate to host a dear friend and mentor, Dr. Bill Manahan for a few days last July. I have enjoyed hosting students and residents as well as helping some fellow docs jump-start their own micropractices. I attended a national conference in August with like-minded physicians who are in similar models of practice and I was even quoted in a few articles. I am looking forward in 2010 to continuing the quality improvement project called “How’s Your Health”. More on this later!
Suzanne Sanchez, my partner and unofficial manager of all things manageable, is taking on a few more administrative tasks in 2010 so you may be receiving email communications, etc from her. We hope this will free up some time for me to write articles and update the blog more frequently - feel free to make requests for blog topics and such. Some upcoming articles will be about vaccines and alternate schedules, healthy recipes, gluten sensitivity syndromes, and a virtual bookshelf of vetted resources. I hope to create a forum on the website where you all can collaborate with and learn from one another as well.
Here are some other fun Nanopractice PDX facts from the close of 2009:
- There are about 450 active patients and a waiting list of over 100 which is 9 months long now!
- There were over 1100 office visits in 2009. About 40% of these were pediatric visits.
- On average, one new patient was seen per working day in 2009.
- There were approximately 4500 outgoing emails and faxes in 2009, and about twice that many incoming for an average of 37 electronic communications per calendar day. Wow!
- Almost 150 doses of H1N1flu vaccine were administered here since November 6th (and I am still well stocked for those of you that need H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccination).
As you probably recall, a small annual fee was implemented in 2009. The annual fee is essential for the fiscal health and sustainability of Nanopractice PDX and it represents your ongoing commitment as a member of the community. The 2010 fees are now due: $60 per adult and $30 per child. You may send a check or use the form on reverse side to send credit card information by mail. As always, your prompt payment is much appreciated and will save trees! Please contact me for consideration of financial hardship discounts if needed.
Thanks for your partnership in health and may you each have a fun, fit, fantastic 2010!
With Gratitude,
“Dr. Chrissie”