Radiologist

We conducted validation interviews with doctors to find out their feedback and thoughts regarding Physician Liaisons. They provided insightful responses that will surely help better our services and what we can do for their practices. 

Here are the questions that were asked:

1. What are the top specialties you refer out to most (ortho, OBGYN, Pain, ENT, etc), and for what (conditions/symptoms/treatment)?

2. Besides excellent patient care, when referring to a physician, what factors help you make that decision to send to that physician or practice? (examples: cell phone number, them meeting, you face to face, location, etc)

3. Is there something a physician liaison or medical rep that stands out to you in a positive or negative way, and why?

4. If a physician liaison comes to your practice to discuss building a patient-referring relationship between you and their specialists, what can they say/ do that would provide value for you or your staff?

5. What is the greatest value a physician liaison would be able to provide to your practice?

Written Validation Interview: 

Dr. Gustavo E. - Radiologist

1. I'm an Interventional Radiologist, so usually people refer patients to me for more specialized care. 

 2. I look for track record, asking my colleague who they prefer, and any face to face time/interactions all play into my decision in where to send a patient referral.

 3. Someone who is outgoing, friendly, easy to talk to, and is knowledgeable about their practice or product. I seek to find out how they can help improve my practice in particular.

 4. The patient-referring relationship needs to go both ways. I would typically look to see if the physician liaison could provide assurances or more information about the types of services they offer that would make my practice better. It's a give and take; I help you, you help me.

 5. Physician liaisons are sometimes the first interaction you can have with a particular practice, so a great first impression is very important. They serve as a reflection of the practice and as their representative so it is important to portray confidence and display friendliness. 

Dr. Victor S. - Radiologist

1. As a radiologist, they refer to me. I don’t generally refer. Sometimes I may suggest a specialist to a primary care doctor or to an unrelated specialist.

2. Communication and accessibility, location

3. Easy to reach, able to solve patient problems, not too intrusive

4. Easy referral, good communication, less work for my practice

5. We use them extensively to build volume and find and solve issues with referrers and patients. They need to make it easy for a practice to send referrals