The Stewart Medicine Blog
Ideas for better
family medicine.
Practical insights, candid commentary, and conversations about family medicine, practice efficiency, and a better health care system.

A few places to start
Featured perspectives
Behind the scenes. Beyond the exam room.
Invisible work. Real consequences.
A closer look at the follow-up tests and paperwork that fall to family doctors after incidental findings.
Explore the articlePDF vs text reports in EMRs
Why report formats matter for family doctors’ time, usable records, and patient safety.
Read & watchMaking the practice day work better
A conversation with Dr. Sarah Smith about patient visits, practice efficiency, and delegation.
Listen to the conversationExplore the collection
Articles & conversations
This collection spans several years. Payment models, fees, and policies may have changed since publication. See the FHO+ hub for current information about that model.
PDF vs Text Reports in Family Doctor EMRs
Guest Blog: Photos About Family Medicine
Guest Blog: A Primer on AI in Family Medicine
Our Healthcare System is Crumbling because of YOU
Pharmacy Duplicating Diabetes Care and Costs
Invisible Work: Following Incidental Findings
Family Doctors Needlessly Interrupted for LU Codes Already Done
How Family Doctors Can Give Themselves a 5-10% Raise
Unnecessary Pharmacy MedsChecks Burden on Family Doctors
Example of Specialist Dumping Work on Family Doctor
Invisible Work: Extra Paperwork caused by Ozempic Shortage
The Frustrating Process of Referring to Neurology
The Cost of even a simple FYI Interruption
Podcast Guest on Charting Coach: General Practice Efficiency
Burnout: Some Patients are to Blame
Addressing Patient Complaints
Invisible Work: Paperwork After a Visit
Invisible Work: Actual Work vs Patients Seen
What Rx Renewals Need Seen In Person?
Follow Up with Family Doctor in 1-2 Weeks
How PatientSERV Saves Staff Time
The Desperate Need for Centralized Referrals
The Benefits of Annual Plans (aka Block Fees)
Family Medicine is a Dumping Ground for Other People's Work
"Reset The Clock" to Reduce Rx Renewal Burden
How Mature is your Uninsured Services Program?
How can tracking my time turn into money and free time?
Analysis of Proposed Quotas for FHO Services
Family Doctors Suffocating in Overhead Costs
Should FHO Doctors Charge for Rx Renewals?
Is it even worth my time to submit a $2 billing code?
How might practices evolve after COVID-19?
What advice would you give a starting physician?
How can I stay organized and on top of my finances?
Should doctors limit patients to one problem per visit?
How can I increase capacity at my practice?
The care by FHO physicians is not captured by OHIP billings
Befriend the FHOs - OHIP is not billed when visits are prevented
Physicians own the value of data within their EMRs
Why should you care about health care and tax policies?
EMR is the solution, not the problem
How much is a family doctor paid?
Explaining risk reduction
Blood work cuts hurt rural patients and doctors
Health care is not free. A call for patient accountability.
Continue the conversation.
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