Hi Dr. Wu,
It sounds like we are both in similar practice settings. I am in a community hospital (not hospital owned) with all private OB practices and one faculty/resident practice. My practice is consultative practice with no general obstetrical care -with like Dr. Iriye mentioned - a co-management relationship. Light others have mentioned we do not have specific criteria and anyone is welcome to consult me. It is easier if they go through the OB first - like when I get calls from our medicine hospitalists but I am always happy to help.
I agree with the others" curbside consults". I'm happy to answer general questions, but again the chance for miscommunication, incorrect management and legal risk is there.
Do have any specific information as to what your senior administrators like to know? They should understand the value MFM adds to their service line. The ability to keep higher risk moms in their hospital leads to more babies in the NICU - which is good for their finances. Most importantly, these women are getting the high quality MFM care they need that would otherwise not have been possible with OB/Gyn physicians alone. Many OBs are reluctant to practice in a hospital without MFM support or backup. Providing MFM access encourages OBs to continue bringing their patients, deliveries and surgeries to that particular hospital. They hate to lose their patients to another hospital if it can be avoided.
Last point - I also encourage Dr. to Dr. consultation so information does not get lost. It also helps built good relationships and trust and lets your OBs know that you are available for them.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out with any further questions!
Hope this helps,
Riz
Rizwana Fareeduddin, MD
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Rizwana Fareeduddin
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-04-2019 11:29
From: Serena Wu
Subject: MFM Practices
Hi All
I am looking for more information on MFM practices out in the community and how MFMs practice. Our practice details are being assessed by our senior administrators.
When your practice is consultation only, what is the policy for consultation of MFM? Are there guidelines at your hospitals for criteria to consult MFM?
When you get consulted, what are your processes? Does there need to be an general OB note prior to your consultation? Does it need to be MD to MD?
Do you need to see the patient and write a consultation every time or do you "curbside" depending on the issue, i.e. PROM?
Every step is being reviewed.
Thank you
Serena
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Serena Wu, MD
Managing Physician
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