Survey shows traits of better practices

Common characteristics of better-performing medical practices include comparing individual performance to internal and external peers, employing midlevels, and ensuring efficient patient flow through the practice, according to a recent report from the Medical Group Management Association.

Better-performing groups were ranked in four categories: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; and patient satisfaction.

Better performing practices use formal surveys to gauge patients' satisfaction with their practices. More than 30% of these practices benchmark the survey results to other practices, and more than 60% educate physicians about behavior.