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Family Medicine spins web of better information, service by Heather Woolwine Public Relations In a family setting, individuals look out for one another and make sure that all family members are cared for to the best of their abilities. MUSC’s Department of Family Medicine is no different. Continually searching for ways to improve and better provide service to their family of patients and staff, Family Medicine recently launched its new Web site with the goal of providing easier access to the department and its services via patient friendly Web pages and navigation. To visit the site, go to http://www.musc.edu/dfm. “The idea is to get common needs traditionally met through a phone call tended to through this new Web site,” said Barry Hainer, M.D., Family Medicine Clinical Services director. “Patients can request appointments, learn about our same-day service, request medication refills, and locate general information about their health.” While the site is not geared towards handling acute care problems or urgent refill requests, it guarantees a response to a request within a two-day time period and Hainer believes it will save time for patients who need refills or visit the doctor on a consistent basis. MUSC Family Medicine Center at 295 Calhoun St. The site contains information about both Family Medicine sites, located on Calhoun Street and the Trident Hospital campus in North Charleston. Designed by Mark Geesey, a department research associate, the various pages include request forms, office hours, maps, cancellation information, late arrival policies, and same-day service policies. Same-day service is on a first-come, first-serve basis, providing MUSC employees, staff, and practice patients the opportunity to receive immediate, non-emergency care through walk-in service. The service is open to everyone, and if a patient arrives no later than 11 a.m., he or she will be seen that morning. Also, if a patient arrives no later than 4 p.m., he or she will be seen by the end of the day. “Our goal for same-day service and our new Web site is the same, and that is to provide patient-oriented service by eliminating barriers to access and making the primary care experience as simple and pleasant as possible,” said Scott Laird, department administrator. So while Family Medicine encourages patients and staff to get caught in their new Web site of support, the department has plans to spin the most difficult section of their collective web yet. Beginning in late June, the Family Medicine location at Calhoun Street will start a series of transformations leading to an overhaul of the building so many have become accustomed to over the years.  “I think it will be nice to see the end of the 1960s industrial, floor-to-ceiling blue tile that we have now,” Hainer said. “We have already started with some of the new changes, like installing new exam tables in all the rooms.” Laird and Hainer outlined the renovation plans and demonstrated how the new design will triple waiting area space and improve employee relations and communication. New furniture, windows and carpet will lighten up the area, and Hainer and Laird were excited about the new provider work areas strategically planned throughout the building to afford better privacy while discussing or recording patient information. “We’re going to open this place up just like you would an old house,” Laird said. As with any construction or renovation project, the effort will take some time, and the doctors hope to have everything completed in October of this year.  Information concerning wing or entrance closures, etc. may be located on the Family Medicine Web site once construction begins, as well as through broadcast messages and future Catalyst updates.     Friday, June 11, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.