Leveraging innovation and compassion: Insights from Future Five Award honoree Neil Mecwan

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12/6/2023

Neil Mecwan, a recipient of the 2023 Future Five Award, and Practice Administrator at Kane Hall Barry Neurology, shares his journey, the strategies he’s implemented to drive a 40% productivity increase, and his dedication to fostering trust-based relationships within his organization. This article covers critical insights for healthcare leaders, from practical cost-management techniques to harnessing technology for operational efficiency and quality patient care.

Driving Efficiency in Neurology Practice Administration Mecwan’s role at Kane Hall Barry Neurology spans across operational, financial, and strategic management, enabling clinicians to focus fully on patient care. With three locations and 11 providers, the organization delivers specialized neurology services. He says, “My primary focus is managing the business side to allow clinicians to dedicate their full attention to patients.” Mecwan’s story underlines how administrative support can streamline workflows, alleviate physician burnout, and enhance care delivery, a valuable approach for any healthcare leader.

A Transformative Healthcare Journey Inspired by a family commitment to service, Mecwan began his healthcare journey with a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery but quickly realized his passion lay in healthcare administration. “I wanted to make a larger impact,” he explains. This drive led him to complete a Master’s in Health Administration and join Kane Hall Barry Neurology, where he’s progressed from intern to Practice Administrator. This trajectory highlights the growth potential in healthcare for those motivated by mission-driven work.

Strategies for Productivity Growth Mecwan has achieved a remarkable 40% productivity increase through targeted strategies such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and cost-control initiatives. He explains, “I developed KPIs in areas where none existed, focusing on financial oversight and cutting unnecessary expenses.” By refining processes and implementing strategic planning, Mecwan’s team aligns on shared goals and measures progress, setting a clear example of how efficient practices can lead to both increased revenue and improved patient care.

Integrating Technology for Modern Healthcare Needs As healthcare technology advances, Mecwan has been proactive in adopting tools that streamline workflows. “People know me as tech-savvy,” he says. His approach includes leveraging software to its fullest potential, often revisiting its features to see how they can ease employee workload and reduce burnout. This perspective emphasizes the importance of staying updated with technology in healthcare, especially as AI and automation become integral to managing increasing demands on administrative and clinical staff.

Fostering Trust and Collaboration Mecwan’s leadership style emphasizes relationship-building between administrative and clinical teams. Recognizing a common gap in healthcare, he makes bridging this divide a priority. “I help physicians meet their goals by understanding their challenges and showing how I can assist in resolving them,” Mecwan notes. This approach has created a supportive environment where physicians and staff feel valued, contributing to organizational loyalty and positive patient experiences.

Patient-Centric Care and Feedback Management Patient satisfaction is a top priority at Kane Hall Barry Neurology, where Mecwan diligently reviews patient feedback to make improvements. “We listen to both positive and constructive feedback to enhance patient experience,” he explains. This proactive approach to feedback helps build patient trust and loyalty, a critical factor for practices aiming to maintain long-term relationships with patients.

The Value of Community and Continuous Learning In addition to his role, Mecwan volunteers with MGMA, sharing knowledge and resources with others. He encourages leaders to tap into MGMA’s resources, saying, “Healthcare is complex, and we all need to support one another.” His involvement reinforces the value of community engagement, highlighting the benefits of connecting with peers to overcome challenges and improve healthcare delivery across the board.

Looking Ahead: Navigating Healthcare’s Tech Transformation Mecwan views the future of healthcare through a lens of rapid technological advancement. “The shift in digital and virtual care is underway, intersecting providers, payers, and patients,” he says. He believes change management will be crucial in adapting to these shifts, underscoring the importance of leaders who are agile, tech-savvy, and ready to embrace innovative care models.

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