Announcing the Inaugural 2013 Observation Medicine Conference

The use of observation medicine to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes is growing every day. But running a financially sound and high quality observation unit is a difficult task. There is a lack of knowledge and systems to properly integrate observation care into the smooth flow and operations of the hospital, not to mention a rapidly shifting political and regulatory environment.

That is why, between September 26th and 27th this year, we will will host the inaugural 2013 Observation Medicine Conference. The conference will take place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center just outside Washington DC.

The first of its kind, this conference will focus on three central issues in observation care. First, experts in observation medicine from around the country will discuss the politics of observation care. Second, MEP providers will discuss the nuts and bolts of establishing and running an observation unit. Third, the experts will discuss the finances behind making an observation unit successful.

The introductory speakers at the Observation Medicine Conference include nationally recognized speakers Robbin Dick, Pawan Suri and Carol Clark. As one of MEPs’ own, Dr. Dick is director of the Observation Units at the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Western Maryland Health System, and one of driving forces behind MEPs’ success in observation care. Dr. Suri currently chairs the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Observation Section and is Chair of the Division of Observation Medicine at the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Medicine. Dr. Clark is a past chair of the ACEP Observation Section, as well as Director of the Division of Observation Medicine at Beaumont Medical Center.

In addition to lectures, the conference will include interactive tabletop sessions to discuss the three topics in depth, including the particulars of observation care financials, and the nitty gritty of hospital flow dynamics, capacity management, and financial planning. These exercises will be designed to give both the observation provider, and observation director an inside look at the details behind observation medicine. At the same time there will be numerous small group panel discussions that will allow attendees the chance to participate and address any of their questions regarding the science and medicine behind observation care.

I hope you can join us in an event that will be informative, enjoyable, and above all memorable.