Newsletter	October 2009

Topics in this Issue...

• It's Open Enrollment Time
  Whether you're covered by an employer benefit plan or are on a
  Medicare plan, it's time to start thinking about your 2010 benefits.
  


• Have You Had Your Appropriate Health-Screening Tests?
  Take charge of your health and get your age-appropriate
  health screening tests and preventive services.
  
  
• Bristol Park Medical Group Honored Again
  For Quality Approach to Healthcare
  Once again, Bristol Park Medical Group is pleased to announce
  that Integrated Healthcare Association has named Bristol Park as:



• Thanks for the Compliments!
  Honors and "Stars" are great, but your thanks
  and compliments mean the most to us.

It's Open Enrollment Season

Whether you're covered by an employer benefit plan or are on a Medicare plan, it's time to start thinking about your 2010 benefits.

For many of you still in the work force, your employer healthcare benefits are usually updated on an annual basis. Consequently, October through December is generally the time that Open Enrollment occurs; the time when your employer may be changing
insurance carriers, etc. for next year. If this is happening at your employer, make
sure your Bristol Park physician is a contracted medical provider before signing on
the bottom line. A current list of accepted health plans is available here online
or call 1-866-276-3627 for assistance.

If you're on traditional Medicare, have a Medicare supplement, or a Medicare
Advantage plan, November 15 to December 31, is your Annual Enrollment period to make a change in your coverage. Beginning approximately October 15, the 2010 benefit information for Medicare Advantage plans will be available. Click here for an online list of Senior health plans accepted at Bristol Park. If you'd like more info on Medicare, we invite you to attend one of our free upcoming talks. Click here for a list
of the dates and locations of meetings for the rest of the year. Or, call our Medicare specialists at 1-866-276-3627.

Have You Had Your Appropriate Health-Screening Tests?

The facts show that people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle that includes being diligent about getting the appropriate age-related recommended health-screenings and preventive services, are more likely to catch and treat or even avoid health problems before they have a chance to become serious health problems. And, parents remember, you set the example for your children as they grow into adults.

Click here to find out what health screenings and preventive services are recommended at what age.

Bristol Park Medical Group
Honored Again For Quality Approach to Healthcare

Once again, Bristol Park Medical Group is pleased to announce That Integrated Healthcare Association has named Bristol Park as:

• A Top 20% Medical Group in California - out of 230
  participating physician Groups
• A Top Five Medical Group in Orange County

Integrated Healthcare Association, (IHA) is a state-wide not-for-profit collaborative of various healthcare participants that independently surveys and gathers information to ensure quality and recognize medical groups that excel in patient care. Each year, the Association evaluates participating medical groups and recognizes those who demonstrate the highest level of quality patient care. The program measures: Clinical Quality which includes preventive care and chronic disease management, the Patient Experience, and the use of Information Technology to support better care.

A "Starring" Role

In addition, Bristol Park has again been awarded four stars, the top rating for meeting national standards of care, and three stars for patient satisfaction by the California Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA; www.opa.ca.gov/report_card.). Only four groups in Orange County received the top rating of four and three stars respectively. No medical group received four stars in both categories.

The Office of the Patient Advocate is a state agency who 1.collects data on patient care for comparison with the established National Standards of Care, and 2. asks patients to rate the care and service received from their physician/medical groups. National Standards of Care focuses on 14 different items including both disease management (such as controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels for heart patients and diabetics) and preventive medicine (such as various cancer screenings and child immunizations). Patient ratings cover four areas: Communicating with Patients, Coordinating Patient Care, Helpful Office staff, and Timely Care and Service.

"We're extremely gratified to have our patients appreciate our efforts and to be recognized by these highly respected organizations," say Mark Schafer, MD, Medical Director for Bristol Park Medical Group. "Our physicians and staff have worked hard to make sure our patients receive appropriate preventive care and services as well as high quality treatment and management of medical conditions. We are dedicated to continually improving both the care and the processes that have helped Bristol Park Medical Group maintain a good solid reputation for over 48 years."

Thanks for the Compliments!

Honors and "Stars" are great, but your thanks and compliments mean the most to us. Here are some excerpts from patient comments.

From a Dr. Horejsi patient (Costa Mesa office):

"I wanted to take a moment and express by appreciation for Bristol Park Medical Group. I have been a member for almost 20 years. I have had many minor and some major health issues and the doctors, nurses and assistants, and all the staff at BPMG have been there for me.
Thank you for all you do."

"Ms. Garcia (our employee) recognized and very efficiently dealt with my frustration caused by intense pain. Her obvious genuine concern was a great comfort to me and helped ease the pain. I was especially impressed also with the expeditious and skillful way
Dr. Yu identified the problem."

"I wanted to thank you for welcoming my son to your practice. You were so kind to him and understanding when he was feeling nervous during his visit. It is obvious why you have a busy practice and why patients, like us, will stay with you as long as we can. We are grateful that we have found a dedicated pediatrician who truly cares about her patients."

"3 letters to describe my impression of Dr. Coulson today: W-O-W!!!! What an amazing doctor; fantastic communicator, accessibly intelligent, and vibrant personality as icing on the cake. I was so impressed with him today when he saw my daughter, and relieved to entrust my children's care to him in the future."

"Hi Dr. Gore, I wanted to tell you that I met a patient of yours at an event. He thinks you are fantastic! He said you are very personable, bright, and a pleasure to see."

"We just wanted to jot down a short letter to THANK YOU for being such a wonderful doctor to my daughters and nephews. It gives us such a peace of mind to know that you have their best interest at heart. It is such a blessing to have the doctor/parent relationship as we navigate the ages and states in our children's life (sic). You, Dr. T. are the very best of the best! We love and admire you very much."

"Thank you so much for getting us through another surgery. Thank you for caring. We appreciate you!"

"Bristol Park is one of the best medical care available in Irvine."

"No way to improve on being excellent. Keep up the friendly
and caring atmosphere."

"Your service is great; can't ask for anything better. Thank you."

"All is very good. I have been a patient for 13 years and I am satisfied with the service."

"Dr. Biorkman and his nurse (Irvine office) make me feel very comfortable and (I) always actually look forward to my visit."