Bigger IS Better

[Jolly]

AMC's...

https://www.realclearhealth.com/blog/2024/09/06/bigger_is_better_for_academic_medical_centers_1056673.html

[George K]

Said it before, and I'll say it again.

As a patient, I'm happy with the convenience, quality of care etc that I've gotten at the University.

But...

I know whom to ask when I have a question. I have connections, and when I need a recommendation, I go to them first.

My internist simply sends out a referral to "orthopedics," "nephrology," whatever. I've seen bozos at the small places and at the big places. As a patient, you're at the mercy of the computer which will plug you into the next available slot, regardless of who you're going to see. It's efficient, to be sure.

But, when I need an ortho referral, I call my friend the anesthesiologist, and ask, "Who's good for this?" I'm lucky that way.

Most patients are not.

When you want to hear piano music, you want to know who you're going to hear. Is it Martha Argerich, or is it @klaus me?

[jon-nyc]

I’m lucky to have a friend at Columbia. Not only does she refer me to specific individuals, she’ll call them to get me in even if they don’t take new patients.

[Mik]

I always always do my research first and know who I want to see. I’ll usually take my PCPs recommendation because he’s very well connected in my system, but I still research them first.

Physicians are not interchangeable widgets, which is why I despise the hospitalist system.