What is PIN

and

How will it impact me?

The Physician Integrated Network Initiative (PIN) is a Manitoba primary care renewal initiative. Your doctor’s office is working with Manitoba Health to bring about positive changes to benefit you, the patient.

How are they doing this.......?

clinic Family doctors are hard-working, busy people who want to provide great care for all of their patients. With PIN, family doctor’s offices are able to find new ways to provide quality care.

Each participating doctor’s office decides how best to improve the service it provides its patients. PIN clinics have hired new staff to assist family doctors and are using information tools to better communicate with their patients.

... By changing the way your doctor works with other professionals in their offices:

Clinics have hired a variety of different professionals. Using professionals that are trained in specific areas gives doctors more time to see their patients. Plus, it allows them to focus on complex problems that require their expertise. For example, one clinic hired a dietitian to talk to patients about healthy eating. While your family doctor could talk to you about your diet, a dietitian can take the time to talk to you about meal plans and answer any questions you may have. Another clinic introduced an additional nurse. Nurses are also a great resource. They can provide many services such as testing, screening, education and follow-up. These professionals help your doctor’s office run smoothly and will improve access to family doctors.

... By using information differently:

While most of us are used to relying on computers in our workplaces, homes, and schools, it is likely that your family doctor just started using one during your check-up.

With PIN, family doctors are using their computers in exciting new ways. For example, some PIN clinics are using a “patient recall tool”. With this tool, family doctors are notified if you need screening tests.

If you do, the computer will send you a letter reminding you that it is time to get the test done or it will remind your family doctor that this test should be done when you are in for your next check-up.

So what does that mean to me?

Right now there are only select sites in the province participating in PIN.

View a list of participating sites here.

If your family doctor is part of the PIN Initiative:

You may notice some changes when you visit your doctor’s office. Here are some examples:

Either through the mail or during your regular check-up, your family doctor may let you know that you should get some tests or preventive screening done.
Before a visit with your family doctor, another team member (nurse, assistant, etc.) may see you first to ask you some questions, take your weight, and give you information.
Your family doctor may suggest that you meet the clinic dietitian to talk about dietary needs; or, that you see the clinic nurse to receive a foot exam.

Please note that every clinic is different and every patient has unique needs. This list is only meant as a sample, and these changes may or may not take place at your doctor’s office.

If your family doctor is not part of a PIN Site:

Please feel free to direct them to this website or to contact the PIN Team to find out more about this initiative. PIN is currently expanding and is looking for interested family doctors that want to explore new ways of doing things within their practice.