Wednesday, April 2, 2025

23andMe: How to delete your genetic data

23andME, the owner of “the world’s largest proprietary database of health and genetic information” filed for bankruptcy on March 23.

This has left consumers what will happen to their personal genetic data. The company announced it will use the voluntary, court-supervised process “to maximize stakeholder value” through a sale, and that “any buyer will be required to comply with applicable law with respect to treatment of customer data.”

“Your data remains protected,” said a March 23 “Open Letter to 23andMe Customers.”

But what if you want to delete your data before the 23andMe sale? Here’s a brief guide on how to do that:

1. Sign in to your 23andMe account
Go to 23andMe.com and enter your username and password. Access your personal dashboard, where you can review your genetic reports and account information.

2. Navigate to account settings
Once logged in, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner. Select the dropdown menu and click “Settings.” This will take you to your account management page.

3. Locate privacy and data options
In the “Settings” section, find the headings related to “Privacy” or “Account.” Look for wording such as “Delete Account,” “Close Account” or “Manage Personal Information.”

4. Review data deletion policies
Before proceeding, carefully read 23andMe’s policies on data deletion. The company typically outlines:What data will be removed: Genetic information, personal profile details and health reports.
What data may remain: Aggregated data used for research (usually stripped of personal identifiers).
Time frame: The length of time the company needs to fully remove your data.

5. Initiate the deletion request
Select the option that confirms your request to delete or close your account. 23andMe may ask you to re-enter your password or provide a security code to verify your identity.

6. Confirm closure and data removal
After submitting your request, watch for a confirmation email from 23andMe. Keep any reference numbers or confirmations in case you need to follow up.

7. (Optional) Request destruction of physical samples
If you previously sent a saliva sample for DNA analysis, you may need to submit a separate request for sample destruction. Check the 23andMe help center or contact customer service for instructions on how to confirm that your physical sample is destroyed, if that is your preference.

8. Contact customer service if needed
For additional assistance or questions about your request, contact 23andMe’s customer support. You can typically do this through the website’s contact form, or by using any phone or email information provided in your account or the company’s Help Center.


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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Patients are willing to wait to see their own doctor


New research in the Annals of Family Medicine explores how visit type, urgency and patient demographics shape the balance between continuity and convA recent study suggests that patients often prefer to wait for an appointment with their own primary care physician (PCP) — particularly for chronic condition management, mental health care and other sensitive issues. It’s when symptoms are acute or urgent that speed becomes the priority.

Published in the Annals of Family Medicine, the cross-sectional survey of 2,320 primary care patients examined when patients are willing to wait for continuity and when they prefer convenience. The findings offer important insights for health system leaders and private practice owners navigating appointment design, staffing and access models.

“Most patients in our study place strong importance on having a personal PCP and valued continuity of care,” the authors wrote. In fact, 94.1% of surveyed patients reported having a PCP, and 71.4% said it was “extremely important” to have a personal doctor.

When asked about specific visit types, more than half of patients expressed a strong preference to only see their own physician for follow-ups involving mental health (56.8%), chronic conditions (54.6%) or annual checkups (52.6%).

However, the willingness to wait changed significantly depending on the nature of the visit. Just 17.1% of respondents preferred to wait to see their own physician for a new symptom, and only 7.2% said they would wait for their PCP when experiencing an urgent concern.

To better understand how patients weighed the importance of continuity against wait time, the survey presented them with hypothetical scenarios.

For example, when asked whether they would rather see their own PCP in three to four weeks or another clinician available in 24 to 48 hours, 68.2% said they would wait for their physician if the issue might require a sensitive exam. Similarly, 61.1% would wait for a new concern about a chronic condition, and 58.9% would wait for a new mental health concern.

When symptoms were more acute or nonspecific — a sore throat or bodily pain — just 6.9% and 33.9% of respondents, respectively, preferred to wait.

The study also revealed demographic patterns in preferences. “For follow-up of a chronic health condition, patients with higher WMI scores had a higher likelihood of wanting to see only their PCP,” the authors reported, referring to the “What Matters Index,” a measure of self-reported health risk.

Education level played a role as well. Patients with a high school diploma or less had higher odds of wanting to see their own PCP for new symptoms or urgent concerns. For new symptoms, those with a high school education or general educational development test (GED) were 3.6 times more likely than college graduates to prefer their own doctor. Women were also more likely to prefer continuity for annual checkups.

“These patterns are similar to those in past studies highlighting that older age, worse self-reported health status, and female sex were associated with placing higher value on continuity of care,” the authors wrote.

The results offer timely guidance as health systems increasingly expand walk-in clinics, same-day scheduling, and team-based care models. While those efforts improve access, they may unintentionally chip away at continuity — something this study suggests patients still value highly in many contexts.

“Our data demonstrate that most patients are willing to wait three to four weeks to see their own PCP for certain types of visits, underscoring the importance of seeing someone they trust over the convenience of being seen more quickly,” the authors wrote.

For practice managers, these findings may help shape more flexible scheduling systems — perhaps by triaging based on visit type and offering patients choices that explicitly weigh speed versus familiarity. Practices could also use online scheduling tools to let patients decide how long they’re willing to wait to see their own physician versus the next available clinician.

The study’s authors caution that their findings may not generalize to all patient populations. The survey was conducted at six family medicine clinics in a large academic health system, and respondents had higher education levels than the national average. Still, the insights carry weight for any primary care practice aiming to balance access and relationship-driven care.

“Data from our study and others suggest that these shifts do not align with patient preferences for care, or with important health outcomes such as emergency department and hospital use,” authors concluded.

The full research article, “Convenience or Continuity: When Are Patients Willing to Wait to See Their Own Doctor?” appears in the March/April 2025 issue of Annals of Family Medicine.

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Monday, March 17, 2025

3 ways scheduling automation is improving patient access and the bottom line

Healthcare organizations across the country are striving to improve patient access to meet rising expectations for convenience and timely care. As provider groups continue to operate within razor-thin margins, it’s a winning approach for improving patient experience and clinical outcomes while also driving bottom-line improvements.

For specialty practices like Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), prioritizing the patient experience is essential to lay the best foundation for patient acquisition and retention. Automation — particularly in appointment scheduling—becomes a critical differentiator, directly impacting a practice’s appeal and accessibility to patients.

In a 2024 survey, patients overwhelmingly expressed a desire for improved digital, self-service scheduling options. Among those who were unhappy with a provider experience, 8 in 10 cited long wait times for an appointment as a top frustration.

There are common scheduling challenges across all healthcare organizations, and they contribute to staffing turnover and burdensome manual processes. For specialized practices like ENTs, the intricacies of the scheduling process are even more nuanced and complex, highlighting the need for tools that streamline patient access, optimize physician schedules, and enhance billing potential.


Building a tech-smart scheduling approach


ENT practices that have implemented scheduling automation in a smart way are seeing notable gains—some improving patient acquisition by as much as 30% within 30 days, in my experience, along with a significant reduction in call center time dedicated to scheduling.

Here are three ways automation is driving this kind of ROI:

1.  Smarter scheduling in real-time. 

Unlike the common “one visit, one doctor” encounter in primary care, patients visiting an ENT often need to schedule multiple appointments with different providers—and sometimes in a specific sequence. For example, a patient needing a hearing device may need a hearing test with an audiologist before meeting with a physician.

In today’s fast-paced digital climate, both patients and administrative staff can easily become frustrated when practices rely on outdated, manual scheduling processes that often involve multiple phone calls and lots of paperwork. These processes not only negatively impact the patient experience but can also lead to errors that disrupt providers’ schedules.

When scheduling becomes cumbersome and inefficient, practices often see a higher rate of patient no-shows and time slots that go unused, resulting in significant administrative waste. A JAMA study found that the estimated cost of administrative waste accounts for approximately 25% of total healthcare spending in the United States.

2.  Automation offers a better way forward

Automated patient scheduling and engagement overcomes these shortfalls and helps optimize capacity, ensuring patients are matched with the right provider. In fact, advanced tools even ensure that patients are matched with multiple providers across multiple appointments, if needed. Automation tools can also manage waitlists and accommodate provider preferences to keep physician schedules full and efficient. Additionally, automated appointment reminders reduce no-show rates, further enhancing productivity and patient satisfaction.

Patient self-scheduling. Research suggests that patients overwhelmingly want self-scheduling options. Busy ENT practices facing high staff turnover rates and high-volume calls find that some patients struggle to schedule an appointment. In these instances, patients are likely to seek out another ENT provider.

Putting patients in the driver’s seat to manage their own scheduling not only improves the overall experience but also enhances operational efficiency. At one 12-provider ENT practice I have worked with, over 500 patients bypassed the call center to schedule appointments online within just five months of implementing rules-based, self-scheduling tools.

ENT practices attempting to offer self-scheduling without a rules-based system in place often find that they must call back patients due to appointments ending up in the wrong slot. For example, a patient with vertigo might self-schedule with an ENT surgeon, even though their chief complaint typically does not require surgical intervention and can be addressed by a mid-level advanced practice provider. A rules-based system helps match patients with the right provider based on the nature of their needs while supporting every provider in practicing at the top of their license – whether that involves surgery, diagnostics, or treatment planning.

To be well-positioned for the future, providers should offer multiple, integrated access points, including mobile options for patient scheduling, check-in, communication, and payment. Personalized, automated communication – such as online chat and text reminders tailored to patient preferences – keep patients engaged and simplifies the interactions with the practice.

3.  Provider scheduling preference management

Successfully managing provider preferences manually is often unfeasible for busy ENT practices with limited resources. Typically, only a few administrative staff hold this institutional knowledge —until they leave. With high turnover rates, it’s no surprise that managing provider preferences is the top scheduling challenge, according to 31% of executives surveyed in a recent study conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
Rules-based automation can be a game changer in this area, especially when it comes to the complexities of managing the diverse needs of ENT providers. For example, an ENT practice would want to avoid scheduling back-to-back visits that require a specialized scope to allow for cleaning of devices in between appointments.

The business case for adopting an intelligent scheduling platform that supports flexible patient self-scheduling is compelling for ENT practices. When providers embrace advanced automation, they are positioned for better patient experiences, achieve positive financial outcomes, and stand out in a competitive market.

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Find your freedom: Practical strategies for physicians returning to independent practice

For many physicians, the allure of independent practice is a compelling one — offering the autonomy to prioritize patient care, make key financial and operational decisions, and forge a more personal connection with their patients. However, the prospect of overcoming start-up costs, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and managing a thriving practice can be daunting.

Just ask Daniel Opris, MD, who was working in the hospital and clinic settings within a large consortium in Dayton, Ohio, when he realized he wasn’t happy.

“Between large empanelment sizes, time available to allocate to patient care and overall lack of autonomy, the environment unfortunately hampers personal growth and makes it extremely difficult for providers to deliver care to our patients the way we feel it should be,” he says. “When most days felt like a battle between administration and doing what I felt was best for my patients, I knew it was time to move on.”

So, a couple of years ago, Opris joined Executive Medical Centers of Ohio, a team of three family doctors and internists who all left their roles at large hospital systems in the area to focus on a more boutique, personalized approach to health care that has no affiliation with one specific hospital system.

“The autonomy gained within independent practice allows me and my partners to get back to a grassroots style of medicine where we can combine providing excellent evidence-based care [with] providing patients with the one thing that we felt they are severely lacking within the medical industry today, time,” he says. “As for myself, having a family with young children, work-life balance is extremely important and something I found has significantly improved once I made the transition.”

Annie DePasquale, MD, founder of Collaborating Docs, which has helped over 5,000 nurse practitioners and physician assistants start their own practices, has worked closely with many physicians who have left hospital systems to go on their own.

“A lot of clinicians I’ve worked with have felt that large organizations stifle their ability to provide individualized care or limit their ability to grow their practice in the way they envision,” she says. “The motivation, then, is often driven by a mix of professional burnout, the desire for greater control and the urge to establish a practice that fosters personal fulfillment.”


First steps


For those who transition to independent practice, the biggest challenges are typically financial and administrative.

“One of the hardest hurdles is securing initial funding or navigating the financial side of the transition, particularly if the clinician has been used to a steady paycheck,” DePasquale says.

Other common challenges include setting up a practice management system, establishing a patient base and ensuring compliance with health care regulations.

“There’s a lot to juggle when you first open a practice — such as finding a good location, hiring staff, and implementing efficient billing and insurance systems,” says John Lowe, MD, an internist in Ogden, Utah, who made a switch from a hospital setting to independent practice during his career. “Managing the business side of things is something that clinicians often underestimate when they leave the corporate world for independence.”

When setting up a practice, DePasquale recommends breaking the process down into manageable steps.

“First, it’s important to determine your niche or focus, which will guide everything from your branding to your patient acquisition strategies,” she says. “Clinicians should seek out resources like business coaches or consultants who specialize in health care start-ups, as they can offer invaluable guidance.”

Networking with others who’ve successfully made the transition is another great resource — learning from their mistakes and successes can save a lot of time and money.

“Additionally, it’s important to invest in good practice management software, as it streamlines everything from scheduling to billing,” DePasquale says. “Building a solid team and developing relationships with vendors for office supplies and equipment is another key part of setting up a practice.”

She also recommends outsourcing bookkeeping and accounting tasks, as this can free up time to focus on patient care rather than worrying about financial details.

“Another helpful resource is hiring a virtual assistant to handle nonclinical tasks like patient communications, follow-ups and administrative support,” she says.

Opris notes independent practice won’t eliminate the headaches of dealing with insurance or other regulated facets within the health care system, and may likely add new ones, which often comes from starting or growing a practice.

“However, in my opinion, if more providers are able to take the leap and transition back to independent practice, this has the potential to improve the way health care is delivered and refocus priorities where they should be, on the patients, while also allowing providers to take better care of themselves,” he says.

Lowe notes it’s vital to have the proper knowledge of all compliance requirements and contract obligations before switching to private practice.

“In terms of hiring a legal and financial adviser, those should be among some of the first things anyone making the transition should do,” he said.


Money matters


The shift to self-employed practice also starts with the decision of whether it will be a traditional fee-for-service or primary direct care example.

Michael Poku, MD, chief clinical officer of Equality Health, a value-based care enabler that works with 3,200 primary care physicians across five states in a value-based care (VBC) environment, notes making a transition from a large hospital system to an independent practice offers physicians a unique opportunity to establish a patient-centric model.

“Independent physicians should not navigate this transition alone,” he says. “They should partner with VBC enablement organizations that offer the necessary infrastructure, data analytics, and administrative and financial support. These partnerships can provide the resources and ongoing investment needed to thrive in a VBC environment.”

While a job in a hospital is usually secure, a private practice can be much more financially lucrative in the long run, Lowe shares, provided there are sufficient finances and business strategies in place.

“It’s important to develop a comprehensive plan for the practice setting with a focus on specific goals, potential earnings, costs, and how long you believe it’ll take for you to be in profit,” he says. “This can be a perplexing endeavor, but working alongside a financial expert who understands health care can make the course of action smoother.”

Lowe also suggests starting small with the intent of assisting a few patients and subsequently broadening this number to aid in growth.

“Independent physicians and organizations such as the American Academy of Private Physicians often help people transition to a financial plan privately,” he says. “Their experienced mentorship is beneficial for those making a switch.”


Legal considerations


Before transitioning to independent practice, it’s also crucial for physicians to familiarize themselves with the legal requirements specific to their state, including licensing, credentialing and insurance requirements.

“Hiring a qualified attorney with expertise in health care law can help navigate the complexities of contract negotiations and compliance with regulations, ensuring a smoother transition into independent practice,” Poku says.


Marketing and growth


When it comes to attracting patients and growing a new practice, word of mouth is invaluable, especially when starting out. It’s essential to establish strong relationships with the patients — taking the time to understand their needs and delivering exceptional care.

“Clinicians can also consider leveraging social media and digital marketing strategies to increase visibility,” DePasquale says. “Referral programs or offering free consultations can also help build an initial patient base. Retention comes down to providing excellent, personalized care and fostering an environment where patients feel heard and valued. I always encourage providers to prioritize patient relationships and maintain open communication channels to ensure they feel connected to your practice.”

What’s more, utilizing a multifaceted marketing strategy can be key to getting the word out. Physicians should harness the power of social media and local community events to boost visibility while implementing loyalty programs and patient engagement initiatives to foster long-lasting relationships and encourage referrals.

After all, creating a strong online presence through patient testimonials and educational content can significantly enhance patient trust and establish the practice as a reputable resource in the community.

“Utilize your connections,” Opris says. “Referrals and previous patients are a great starting point for building your new practice. When you need help with more extensive marketing needs, look for an agency that can help accelerate your marketing efforts.”


Making the decision


For any physician thinking of making a switch, it’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the leap, have a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and make sure they are financially and emotionally prepared for the challenges that come with running a business.

“I recommend talking to others who have made the transition and learning from their experiences,” DePasquale says. “Get support from professionals who can help with the business aspects — this is often an area that clinicians overlook but is key to success. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. It’s okay to rely on experts in areas like accounting, legal advice and marketing to ensure the success of your new practice.”

 

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Thursday, March 6, 2025

Successfully implementing AI into your medical practice: A strategic and tactical approach

In today’s healthcare landscape, one of the most significant transformations is the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare organizations. When change looms on the horizon, having a well-structured strategy is essential—both in terms of big-picture considerations and the tactical steps that will ensure a smooth transition.

While AI adoption has been progressing for several years, there is still substantial ground to cover. A 2024 AMA study found that 38% of doctors currently use AI, primarily for simplifying documentation, care plans, and progress notes. Of those, 43% find AI-driven features beneficial. However, enthusiasm for AI is not universal—a 2024 HIMSS study reports that only 27% of staff members within healthcare organizations view AI positively.

So how can organizations bridge the gap between AI’s potential and its acceptance among providers and staff? The key lies in a dual-pronged approach: strategic planning and tactical execution.


Mapping Your AI Strategy


Electronic Health Records (EHRs) now incorporate a wide range of AI-powered features, but simply enabling these tools does not guarantee success. A thoughtful strategy is necessary to maximize AI’s benefits. Here are three critical components of an AI strategy:
  • Define your AI vision: Clearly outline your objectives, expected benefits, and the resources required to implement AI effectively. Consider how AI will improve the experience for providers, staff, and patients, and establish measurable goals for success.
  • Develop a deployment roadmap: Begin by auditing your EHR system to understand which features and workflows are in place. Identify what you are currently utilizing, what you are paying for but not using, and what AI capabilities could replace or enhance. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each AI function under consideration.
  • Assess and adapt workflows: AI will alter how patient visits are conducted and how tasks are performed. Review existing workflows to determine what can support AI adoption, what needs to be modified, and what new processes must be introduced. Documentation, training, and ongoing support for staff and providers will be essential to successful implementation.

Practical considerations for AI implementation


With a strategic foundation in place and refined workflows to support AI rollout, the next step is to
generate awareness and enthusiasm to ensure seamless adoption. We’ve seen healthcare organizations across the U.S. leveraging creative tactics to accomplish this. A few of our favorites are:
  1. Designate an AI champion: Appoint a provider to test and implement AI features in real-time. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and encourages peer advocacy, as firsthand success stories can increase adoption among colleagues.
  2. Start with one use case: Identify one problem you are trying to solve or gain efficiency toward. Map out the current process, who does what, and downstream impact. Then map out the process using the AI tool. Choose the appropriate AI tool/partner. Identify what changes need to be made in current workflows and staff education, along with what type of quality control processes are needed. Finally, define plans to monitor and evaluate performance.
  3. Educate patients with signage: Display informational posters in waiting areas and exam rooms to inform patients about AI usage. In one clinic, signage highlighted the specific AI features in use and reassured patients that AI enhances provider focus during visits.
  4. Provide staff with AI talking points: Equip providers and staff with prepared responses to common patient inquiries about AI. Clear communication builds confidence and helps patients understand how AI benefits their care. Include these talking points within a FAQ sheet available online and in the patient portal.


The future of AI in medical practices


AI presents immense opportunities to enhance clinical and operational efficiency in healthcare organizations. By combining a well-defined strategy with effective engagement tactics, medical practices can foster AI adoption while improving patient care, reducing provider burnout, and streamlining operations. With thoughtful planning and execution, AI can be seamlessly integrated into everyday practice, leading to long-term success for providers, staff, and patients alike.


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