Quality health measures monitored by insurers include body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and pain. We customized our vital signs stamp to include the following: age, weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration rate, smoking status, pain level, last menstrual period (LMP), and blood glucose level. BMI calculator charts are posted next to each weighing scale so that medical assistants can check BMI at a glance.
These findings are documented for each patient at every office visit. Blood glucose level and LMP are noted if indicated.
Patients like to be educated about their weight and BMI. Physicians appreciate the documentation because they can be alerted to a patient's weight, smoking, and pain issues at a glance. It promotes a team-based approach and provides an opportunity for medical assistants to counsel patients about weight reduction and smoking cessation.
Since we implemented this strategy, our compliance with meeting requirements for documentation has been consistently 100%.
| Parul Sud, MD Flint, Mich |
