Understanding your role with patients: the big picture

Medical practice employees can become so engrossed in their daily administrative and clinical duties that they risk losing sight of their larger purposes and functions in the practice. Chief among these is their role with patients. It's important for every medical practice employee to remember the big picture and the vital role each member of the team plays. This article helps medical practice employees take a step back and see the medical practice landscape from a much larger and broader perspective. It explores the particular roles each member of the team plays with patients, including those who serve as the first point of contact on the phone and in person. It further explores staff roles during appointments, after appointments, and later on the telephone for administrative or clinical follow-up with patients. This article uses imaginative analogies to help medical practice employees understand and define their roles in new ways, such as that of practice host, tour guide, grand finale, and troubleshooter. Finally, this article offers 10 additional strategies to help medical practice employees further define and embrace their roles as they relate to patients.