On average, the current physician sees approximately 13 to 15 patients per day. The department also houses a sleep study department, and the incoming neurologist may have the opportunity to join the sleep team. There is a backlog of sleep studies and EEGs that need to be addressed.
The most common diagnoses seen in this neurology practice include conditions such as MS, Parkinson's disease, and migraines. The department includes two private neurologists, with one of them working at Southwestern Medical Center, where appointments are often booked three to six months in advance. Another neurologist is part-time and conducts telemedicine consultations. Additionally, there is a neurologist who provides telemedicine services from India, and two physicians operate as Telehouse practitioners. One day a week is designated for administrative tasks, allowing flexibility for the physicians to choose which day suits them best.
The department receives approximately six to seven EMG referrals per week. Weekend call duties are on a 1:4 rotation, while weekday call responsibilities from Monday to Thursday are on a 1:3 rotation. Notably, there is no stroke call handled directly by the department; instead, Tele-stroke services are coordinated through Integris in Oklahoma City. Tele-stroke specialists assess patients to determine if they are candidates for TPA treatment. If deemed eligible, the patient is sent to the ICU, where they are further consulted by a neurologist for stroke management. All necessary tests for stroke patients are conducted at the hospital, as the next follow-up visit is scheduled six weeks later. In cases of suspected stroke, the emergency room initiates the stroke code, and the Tele-stroke team performs rounds in the mornings after receiving a trigger text indicating that a patient has been admitted and is in a specific room.
The cases seen in this neurology department encompass a wide range, including movement disorders, MS, and seizures, making it a diverse and challenging practice.