Since its founding, PAMF has been at the forefront of medicine, embracing innovation as a core principle. Today, we remain a leader in the rapidly evolving health care industry with numerous state-of-the-art programs and technologies, including those described below. These innovations -- along with new advanced technology -- will be implemented at the San Carlos Center as well.

Cutting-Edge Programs and Services

Electronic health record: PAMF creates an electronic medical record (EMR) for each of its patients, placing comprehensive health information at the fingertips of any PAMF medical provider who treats that person. Rather than chasing paper records, physicians, nurses and other staff members can access the EHR from any PAMF facility and from affiliated hospitals where our patients receive care. The EHR allows physicians and staff members to detail interactions with patients; view medical histories and insurance information; order tests and view test results; make referrals; and send electronic prescription requests to pharmacies, among other features. The system also provides up-to-date medical information, such as clinical guidelines for physicians or printed summaries for patients. We are one of the earliest medical groups to offer this service.

PAMFOnline: PAMF patients have access to a highly secure Web site through which they can view key components of their medical records, request appointments and prescription renewals, access test results and receive customized health news and information. The service, known as PAMFOnline, is available for free to any PAMF patient. For a nominal subscription fee, patients can also communicate electronically with PAMF physicians and advice nurses. Several awards and news articles have recognized PAMFOnline as among the most advanced and effective health care information and management sites for patients in the nation.

Advanced Access: In 2002, PAMF implemented a scheduling system in which patients are offered a same-day appointment with their own primary care physician every time they call. The new system, called Advanced Access, not only reduces appointment wait times, but also allows physicians to see more of their own patients, getting a better understanding of each person's medical needs. Planning groups have begun work on implementing the system in our specialty departments.

Imaging: PAMF's Palo Alto Center houses some of the most advanced radiology equipment available. In 2004, we installed a special cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine that provides a more accurate picture of the heart than does a traditional MRI. The cardiac MRI is one of the only such machines in the world, and is expected to reduce the number of patients who require surgery to diagnose coronary artery disease and other heart conditions.
High-technology treatment: PAMF has always been an early adopter of new treatment technology, such as the use of lasers in eye surgery during the 1960s. Most recently, our Radiation Oncology Department has become one of the first outpatient sites in the country to offer two advanced radiation therapy techniques for cancer patients. Physicians and technicians use computer simulations to view the cancerous area in three dimensions, then employ sophisticated linear accelerators to deliver radiation to the tumor more precisely than was previously possible. By decreasing radiation to surrounding healthy tissues, the technique reduces side effects.