Proud to Provide the Latest in Technology
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms the healthcare landscape, Hill Physicians has embraced numerous innovative programs to help our physicians enhance patient care, streamline operations and promote collaboration.
In 2024, we piloted three AI tools for physicians using our Epic Electronic Health Record, “HillChart:”
- The Ambient Scribe Tool listens to the patient visit (with the patient’s permission) and generates a complete chart note for the physician’s review, revision and signature. Physicians and patients benefit from more face-to-face time during visits and quicker turnaround time for orders and after-visit notes.
- Automated Response Technology (ART) drafts responses to patient messages on MyHillChart, which office staff then reviews.
- “Since Your Last Visit,” provides a quick summary of up to three years of a patient’s chart history, helping physician efficiently review the patient’s concerns and conditions.
“We are very proud of our commitment to keep our physicians on the cutting edge of technology,” said CEO David Joyner. “It is an ever-changing world, and our physicians can rest easy knowing that our team will assess and navigate the technology and provide any support needed so they can take advantage of the latest and greatest tools available to keep their practices running smoothly.”
Our learnings from these pilots will soon be expanded to all HillChart practices. In 2024, nearly 500 Hill Physician providers at more than 90 practices used HillChart to connect with their patients.
Recruiting and Connecting to Residents
We attended twice as many recruitment fairs and events in 2024 as we did the previous year, connecting with more than 100 up-and-coming physicians, sharing valuable information about residency placements and highlighting the benefits of a private practice model.
By engaging physicians early in residency training and strategically involving second- and third-year residents, we strengthen our presence in medical education, nurturing future healthcare leaders and independent physicians.
“Involvement with the physician residency programs is essential for shaping the next generation of physicians,” said Francisco Garcia, M.D., of River Bend Medical Associates, Inc., and Hill Physicians Medical Group’s Primary Care Medical Director and Board Member. “By participating in medical education, Hill Physicians provides mentorship from experienced physicians and real-world clinical exposures. In addition, we deliver training in value-based care and population health management, as well as delving into the complexities of health care systems.”
Forgivable Loans Make a Difference
Hill Physician’s Forgivable Loan Program can make all the difference when it comes to recruiting and adding a new doctor to the practice.
Jerrilyn Johnston, M.D., a pediatrician at Castro Valley Pediatrics, said her practice was serving a large portion of Hill Physicians members in 2023, but believed her team could easily take on more patients with another doctor. They turned to Hill Physicians for help.
A forgivable loan was approved, and a new physician was hired in 2024. That year, the number of HIll patients served by the practice nearly doubled, significantly improving patient access.
“We needed a new physician, and your loan made that possible for our group,” wrote Jerrilyn. “We really appreciate the support for our practice and helping us be here for our patients.”
Castro Valley Pediatrics wasn’t the only practice that benefited from a forgivable loan in 2024: Hill Physicians approved more than $1.8 million in both forgivable loans and recruiting expenses in 2024. As of December 2024, this program has brought in 45 physicians and Advanced Practice Providers to our network to expand access and availability!
We Put Our Providers in the Spotlight
In 2024, Hill Physicians Medical Group showcased roughly 30 doctors through a social media video series called “Provider Spotlight,” giving them a platform to share insights into their specialties, discuss important health topics and provide valuable tips and advice to patients.
The results were overwhelmingly positive with rave reviews from patients and doctors alike.
“There was far more exposure from this experience than I would have ever imagined,” said Daren Primack, M.D., of Adventist Health Physicians Network. “Established patients and new patients told me that they saw the video and really liked it. Friends and colleagues also messaged me their approval. The team did a great job making my boring discussion fun to watch. Based on my experience, I see this as a great tool to get exposure to the community especially for new docs who are getting established.”
Shared across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, the series has significantly increased awareness of the high-quality physicians within our network. Through engaging digital content, we have enhanced our online presence while positioning our physicians as go-to sources for reliable health information, within their communities and the regions they serve.
Topics ranged from everyday health tips to expert guidance on managing chronic conditions. Physicians have addressed common patient concerns, debunked health myths, shared preventative care strategies, and provided tips for maintaining overall well-being.
Hill Physicians Earns Savings in First Year of Medicare Shared Savings Program
Nearly 100 doctors from Hill Physicians achieved shared savings after a year of partnering with Aledade in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).
Through this program, participating Hill Physicians delivered high-quality care to 20,000 Medicare patients.
“Our physicians focus on providing the highest quality and most efficient care possible for our Medicare patients,” said Hill Physicians CEO David Joyner. “We are very proud their hard work resulted in shared savings in our very first year, a considerable accomplishment. Aledade’s support and data insights gave our team the edge.”