Our process
Identify the needs.
Drowning in messages? Scheduling issues? Pharmacy requests? We'll start by determining where your practice's bottlenecks lie.
Determine time commitment.
Whether you need an hour of help per day, multiple hours per week, or help on a monthly basis, our agreements are flexible and can change with the needs of your practice.
Share your preferences.
We'll meet to determine your specific practices for how you want messages and patient situations handled. We're experienced clinicians and will always do what's right for the patient, but recognize and respect your unique practice preferences. We'll continue to refine our protocols as our working relationship develops.
Set parameters for metrics.
Want messages returned within a certain period of time? Have an idea of how many tasks you want managed per day? We can work these into our agreement.
Establish collaboration/insurance agreements.
If your state requires collaborative agreements or regular meetings with PAs, we'll handle that paperwork. We can also determine the responsibility for liability insurance.
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Less than hiring and training a new provider! Cost depends on the number of hours, complexity, and any additional services beyond basic inbox management you may want to add. In general, basic inbox management (including responding to messages, sending/educating on results, refill requests, work notes, scheduling) costs about 1/3 of what it would normally cost your practice to employ a PA or NP..
Who handles malpractice/liability insurance?
While we have our own policy, your practice may choose to also cover our provider on your policy. If you choose that route, costs for that are incurred by the practice.
What about supervision/collaboration?
If this is required in your state, we will take care of the paperwork and keeping up with meeting requirements. We do request that a physician from your practice be designated as the supervising/collaborating physician.
Would this provider be an employee of my practice? What about insurance billing?
No, services will be billed to the practice as a service and the provider is not an employee of your practice. Any questions about billing for insurance should be directed to your practice's biller. We do not bill insurance or the patient for our services.
What time of day does the provider work?
This can be negotiated - whether services are performed at a certain time during the day, or there is an agreement for how quickly messages will be responded to.
Is this a common service?
Yes! Several practices and healthcare systems have implemented inboxologists, aka inbox clinicians (or other names) in order to increase efficiency, serve more patients, and improve clinician wellbeing. Peer reviewed studies have been conducted and have shown that having an inboxologist improves satisfaction for patients and providers alike.
How does the inboxologist access my EMR?
Your practice will need to provide a username and password for your EMR. As far as remote access, we will assess your individual situation to determine the best method.
Where are you available?
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia
What about controlled substances?
The Inboxologist does NOT prescribe controlled substances.
Do you evaluate/prescribe/treat?
Yes, if asynchronous telemedicine is permissible in your state, we can evaluate and treat minor illnesses via messaging. If the provider deems the patient's illness too complicated or in need of an exam, they will schedule the patient for an in person appointment with your clinic or refer to urgent care or the ER as appropriate.