ABSTRACT
Operational systems are needed to support the practice of medicine, related clinical activity, services to customers, and the functions of the business office and finances. This chapter attempts to design operational support to facilitate clinical practice that is focused on customer service and satisfaction and to design a process for continuous quality improvement to monitor operations and provide management with information for use in achieving desired outcomes for the practice. The chapter evaluates the need to "buy or build" only essential service support. Change is the only constant that can be counted on in health care today. From a focus on assessment of the practice, it is important to evaluate each aspect of operations, keeping in mind cost and desired effectiveness. The chapter strengthens physician and hospital services by improving operational efficiency and reducing costs, without compromising the quality of care or service provided.
