Betty Hinderks Davis, MD, is an ACN Specialist Advisory Council member, board-certified dermatologist, and certified MOHS surgeon who has practiced dermatology in the Valley since 2005. She currently practices at Regency Dermatology in Phoenix and Surprise.
Dr. Davis graduated as an Honors Scholar from the University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC) in biochemistry and completed her medical school training and residency at UMC. She completed her surgical fellowship in Alabama, where she received the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) Theodore Tromovich Award for periorbital tumor research in 2004, the highest national fellow award presented by ACMS. In 2017, she received the Outstanding Young Physician award for distinguished contributions to dermatology.
What led you to join ACN?
I really believe in population health management and preventive care. Every specialty is different in contributing to accountable care, but with dermatology we can do a lot to reduce risks of skin cancer in coordination with oncology and plastic surgeons. We must work together to keep things in network and decrease the cost of health care. It makes our patients healthier.
What led you to join the Specialist Advisory Council?
I like to stay involved and influence a lot of different providers. I’ve found that some are updated on so many things as far as healthcare, safety, the network, peer review. I feel like I have a good understanding and congruent thoughts on practicing medicine. I’m fiscally sensitive which I believe helps a lot — I grocery shop and practice medicine that way.
What benefits have you seen from being part of ACN?
One of the biggest benefits is reduced costs, but also work with providers. A lot of us have other ACN providers on speed dial and can get patients in. Being able to work with primary care physicians is amazing. Some of them go overboard to keep referrals in network and keep costs low, and some don’t. I truly believe in what I call the “2-minute consult,” a provider needs help with a patient in the room, or can take of it but aren’t exactly sure what’s next, and if I can talk to a doctor we can have a plan in place in two minutes, and that saves on costs of care. I can go over how to treat things that are common for PCPs.
Referrals are a major business component for specialists. Is there anything you’d like PCPs to know that can improve alignment and care coordination with specialists?
Set up a system and share notes so everyone else knows your protocol and process. It needs to be short and quick, not 20 clicks. If I’m not on a plane or must be somewhere, I’ll see patients. Be available and willing to help a few extra patients. Get your administrative staff and assistants trained on these processes. Whether it’s push-a-button or a quick reply, it’s something to take work off the PCP.
Any advice for small practices or solo providers who are involved in many aspects of his/her business?
It’s not easy. Be realistic, and do the things you love the most. Delegate the rest to someone who’s trustworthy so they’re done efficiently.
What advice would you offer to a provider or specialist who’s new to ACN or wants to improve their practice through alignment?
Physicians want to feel connected and forge their own connections. Keeping people connected to the network who are nearby and around your neighborhoods. Medicine is tough right now; it’s daunting there’s so much information and that’s tough to deal with on the fly. I try to pat on the back those who’ve done the same for me, who I know are good and have been good, so it becomes a symbiotic relationship. One of the great things is we can provider coordinated care together, it’s the best care we can offer. Keeping that in front of us and having it be the beacon is why most of us got into healthcare.
