Physician Workload: Patient Contact vs Administrative Tasks

Core Concepts

Physicians often work far more hours than stated in their contracts due to administrative tasks not accounted for in patient-facing hours.

Abstract

Standalone Note here

Workload Discrepancy

• Physicians often work beyond contracted hours due to administrative tasks.
• Contracts may lack clarity on patient contact vs. administrative time.
• Overwhelming workload impacts physicians' work-life balance.

Contractual Clarity

• Contracts should specify patient contact hours and administrative duties.
• Negotiating for a more humane schedule is crucial.
• Employers should recognize the diverse tasks physicians handle beyond patient care.

Call Coverage Concerns

• Call coverage expectations may not be clearly defined in contracts.
• Negotiating extra pay for additional shifts can protect physicians.
• Physicians should ensure fair compensation for extra hours worked.

Specialty and Setting Variations

• Specialties like hospitalists have fixed hours, while surgeons face unpredictable schedules.
• Practice settings influence work-life balance for physicians.
• Telehealth physicians may face different challenges compared to in-person care providers.

Time Optimization Strategies

• Using scribes can help physicians maximize time during shifts.
• AI tools can assist in documentation but should not replace physician judgment.
• Developing efficient strategies can reduce the need for work outside of scheduled hours.

Stats

"He'd get to work early to do charting, then see patients during the 40 hours, perhaps grabbing a quick sandwich for a few minutes — and then stay after 5 [PM] for a few more hours when he'd work on charts or other administrative tasks."
"I've negotiated a lot of contracts where we nail down in writing that the in-office schedule equals 34 hours per week, so the physician is guaranteed an additional six hours for administrative time."
"One physician client was seeking a workweek consisting of 36 patient contact hours, 'which is 90% of the usual FTE of a 40-hour week,' said Hursh."
"The doctor's salary was hiked by $25,000."
"The use of AI in healthcare is rapidly growing."

Quotes

"It's important for employers to recognize that seeing patients isn't the only thing a doctor does and there's a lot of work in addition to face-to-face time." - Dennis Hursh
"Doctors should get value for their time." - Amanda Hill
"This enhances communication and has been shown to improve patient care." - Elliott Trotter

Key Insights Distilled From

Patient Contact Time vs Admin: Is Your Contract Fair?

by Batya Swift ... at www.medscape.com 11-06-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998100

Deeper Inquiries

How can physicians ensure fair compensation for the additional hours worked beyond patient-facing time?

Physicians can ensure fair compensation for the additional hours worked beyond patient-facing time by negotiating specific terms in their contracts. It is crucial for physicians to clearly define the number of hours dedicated to patient care versus administrative tasks. By stipulating the amount of time allocated for administrative duties and negotiating for additional compensation for these hours, physicians can ensure that they are fairly remunerated for all aspects of their work. Additionally, physicians can advocate for clauses that guarantee compensation for extra call coverage or unexpected shifts, ensuring that they are adequately paid for the time and effort they put in beyond their standard working hours.

Should contracts for physicians include specific clauses regarding call coverage to prevent exploitation?

Yes, contracts for physicians should include specific clauses regarding call coverage to prevent exploitation. By clearly outlining the expectations and requirements for call coverage, physicians can protect themselves from being overburdened with excessive on-call duties without appropriate compensation. Including details such as the number of shifts per year, provisions for additional pay for extra call shifts, and mechanisms for fair distribution of on-call responsibilities among practitioners can help prevent exploitation and ensure that physicians are compensated fairly for their time and availability. These clauses can also serve as a reference point for physicians to address any issues related to call coverage and advocate for their rights in the workplace.

How can the healthcare industry better support physicians in maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout their careers?

The healthcare industry can better support physicians in maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout their careers by implementing policies and practices that prioritize physician well-being. This includes establishing clear guidelines for work hours, scheduling, and workload distribution to prevent burnout and excessive stress. Healthcare organizations should promote a culture of work-life balance by encouraging flexible scheduling, providing resources for mental health support, and offering opportunities for professional development and self-care. Additionally, the industry can support physicians by investing in technologies and tools, such as scribes and AI-driven documentation systems, to streamline administrative tasks and reduce the burden of paperwork. By fostering a supportive and sustainable work environment, the healthcare industry can help physicians achieve a better balance between their professional responsibilities and personal life, ultimately leading to improved job satisfaction and overall well-being.