A recent study conducted by Med School Insiders found quite a bit of variation in the number of patients seen by physicians across different practice areas. Orthopedic surgery, diagnostic radiology, and ophthalmology are highest on the list, with an average of 5.25 patients seen each hour. The majority of medical specialties were found to treat an average of three patients per hour. While only slightly more, those numbers add up over the course of a given week.
Why Some Numbers are Higher
There is a distinct reason for the highest figures sitting at 5.25 patients per hour, as medical procedures account for a large part of the work surgeons, radiologists, and ophthalmologists do. Aside from procedures, these medical professionals meet with patients for brief follow-up, pre-operative, and other consult visits. Naturally, these take less time than visits with other medical doctors do. This same reasoning applies to other healthcare specialties who have similar numbers: dermatology (5 patients/hour), general surgery, (4.25 patients/hour), and otolaryngology (4.25 patients/hour).
Complex Specialties Ranked Lower
More time-intensive specialties understandably ranked lower on the list. These included:
- 2.5 patients/hour: Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Neurology
- 2.25 patients/hour: Emergency Medicine, Radiation Oncology
- 1.75 patients/hour: Geriatric Medicine
- 1.5 patients/hour: Hospice, Palliative Care
Psychiatric patients along with individuals who have substance use disorders, neurological conditions, and cancer diagnoses all require more sensitive medical care for complex and potentially serious health issues. In addition, some patients in these practice areas may demonstrate difficult behaviors such as resistance to treatment or varying levels of motivation to follow treatment regimes. These factors may also impact a provider’s overall productivity.
Provider Efficiency Linked to Network Adequacy
A provider’s ability to remain efficient in their role has long been linked to provider network adequacy. When providers prioritize treating as many patients as they can, this helps manage wait lists for care and allows patients to more quickly access the services they need. In turn, this boosts health outcomes while lowering overall healthcare costs. However, it’s essential to remember that providers must keep a healthy balance between productivity and quality care. Physicians should not increase the amount of patients they see in a given time at the expense of patient outcomes, as this is undoubtedly counterproductive.
How Provider Networks Can Improve All-Around Outcomes
There are several ways that provider networks can maximize physician productivity while maintaining their focus on patient outcomes:
- Evaluate and incorporate patient feedback on a regular basis. Technology can assist in this area.
- Utilize artificial intelligence (AI), documentation templates, and workflows to assist with notetaking.
- Adopt an integrated electronic health record (EHR) to streamline communication and scheduling among providers. These two administrative duties take time away from patient care.
- Take advantage of automation tools wherever possible. These can assist with scheduling reminders, intake forms, and more.