Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

The WK neurology clinic operates out of a newer medical office building with windowed offices, badge-access security, and a three-pod clinic layout. The environment is modern and well-maintained. The group has built a collegial culture, and the senior physicians have structured the practice to be sustainable, including a full neurohospitalist program that removes inpatient and overnight call from the outpatient team entirely.

Outpatient Clinic Structure

The clinic runs Monday through Friday with standard daytime hours. Each physician manages their own panel and schedule within the group structure. Physician volume varies by subspecialty focus and patient demand. The two most active general neurologists in the group see 20 to 30 patients per day. Subspecialty-focused physicians see lower daily volumes, typically 8 to 10 patients per day, reflecting the time demands of more complex or focused patient populations.

Physicians choose their own insurance panels. WK does not mandate specific payer participation, which gives each physician flexibility in how they structure their practice.

Inpatient and After-Hours Coverage

The incoming neurologist will not carry inpatient call. WK runs a dedicated neurohospitalist program with a program director and at least one additional hospitalist handling all inpatient consults and acute neurology cases. Touchstone Triage manages after-hours phone calls from patients, further protecting outpatient physicians from overnight disruption.

Referral Demand and Access Gaps

The clinic is currently declining approximately 100 referral requests per week due to capacity. The largest gaps are in three areas where the incoming physician could build an immediate panel:

  • Memory care and cognitive neurology: No dedicated specialist currently in the group
  • Movement disorders / Parkinson's disease: One NP focuses on movement disorders but is closed to new patients
  • Neuromuscular disease: High unmet demand with no dedicated subspecialist

LSU Health is the only alternative referral destination in the region. Patients and referring physicians strongly prefer WK, meaning the incoming neurologist will have a built-in referral base from the start.

Clinical Team

The neurology group includes:

  • General neurologist (high-volume): Sees 20 to 30 patients per day; serves as a mentor for incoming physicians
  • Epilepsy specialist: Focused epilepsy panel; accepts Medicaid; approximately 8 to 10 patients per day
  • EMG / neuropathy neurologist: Focused on electromyography and peripheral neuropathy
  • Movement disorders NP: Closed to new patients
  • Neuropsychologist: Sees patients on Wednesdays; performs deep brain stimulation evaluations
  • PA (first-call triage): Handles stroke follow-up and triage for the group

Subspecialty and Research Opportunities

Physicians interested in academic involvement have the option to participate in resident rotations through WK's GME programs. This is not required. The neurology group does not have an active research program at this time, but access to WK's broader clinical infrastructure and the Mayo Clinic electronic consult partnership (24-hour turnaround) supports complex case management and subspecialty consultation.

Practice Culture

The clinic is described as collegial and supportive. The group organizes regular morale activities and maintains a positive day-to-day environment. Free lunch is available most days. Senior physicians, including the group's highest-volume neurologist, are active mentors and openly support new physicians finding their footing. New graduates are welcome and have succeeded in this environment previously.

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