With the invention of EMR, AI, and just the desire to know exactly what’s going on, healthcare in all its complexities continues to be sliced and diced with the advent of analytics. We really thought it was going to make life easy, but did it?
As a primary care provider at first I was excited about EMRS and had great hopes. But that faded when many of us realized it was not necessarily about making the providers life easier or better quality of care, for many using this has become burdensome and taken the joy out of practicing medicine. For example this is what is a very small example of whats happening. It is able to report on everything from how quickly you bring the patient back, how much time you spend in an appointment, how fast you refill the medications and how quickly you respond to messages is just a fraction of what is being analyzed in a typical EMR. Then there’s patient satisfaction that is analyzed along with the comparing your work to work of others. This doesn’t just happen in medicine it happens everywhere.
As a provider you have to learn to embrace it, because it’s not going anywhere. Don’t get me wrong I think there’s a lot that can be learned and help with the overall experience. So much time is spent gathering the data but really how much time is left working on better quality of care and efficiencies as result? These are just questions.... whats the end game... better outcomes, happier patients and experiences.... this is quality.
This is where blockchain could play into it. Spending less time gathering but more time adjusting.... Providers and staff could be empowered as part of that mission. Isn't that why many of us are in medicine in the first place??? utilizing a centralized analytical system created by providers for providers, staff for staff, admin for admin then creating solutions together across the board. Practice size would not matter--- If blockchain can even the playing field, bring it on because it’s needed especially for small businesses.
Another did you know:
Depending on the size of the organization healthcare, the reimbursements are different. If a small practice sees a patient, spends time with them and performs the same exams and tasks as a large multi specialty organization, they get reimbursed bu differently.
Insurance companies negotiate fees for service and these fees can vary significantly. for example one is treated for Strep and they are an established patient: the code is 213 Solo or small practice may negotiate $70 reimbursement... with a larger organization -performing the same work may receive $ 90. It’s interesting to me... think about it.... A smaller practice survives and is usually more personalized and the staff actually may know your name. Then there is the big "Doc in the Box"... Do they or Can they provide that level of PERSONALIZED CARE I wonder???? -well actually there are exceptions, but I know :)
This is one of the many reasons why the small practice is fading away :(
As we embrace changes in health care delivery, think Blockchain and Cryto will evolve to enhance patient and provider satisfaction and that WILL lead to better QUALITY. Time will tell!
Just sayin!
Best of Health!
Barb
Surviving the Business of Healthcare
askthepa.com
Crypto investor
