I see anywhere from 7 to 21 patients a day, depending on the mix of new ones, follow-ups, and electromyographs. I don’t break for lunch. But I’m told that’s not enough.
Like most doctors, I’ve been reading about ways to increase revenue. A common theme is to see more patients, with some suggesting as many as 10 per hour.
In some fields, like pediatrics, this may be doable. But in neurology? I just don’t see it. No one likes being rushed at the doctor’s office, especially when they have a complex issue and a lot of questions.
I admit that my schedule is not as busy as others. I try to allow extra time, hoping it averages out over the course of the day. I hate running behind, and don’t like the stereotype of patients waiting for hours reading moldy magazines. Yes, there are still unexpected emergencies, but overbooking is probably the most common reason for falling behind.
Right now I have no plans to cram people in. Making them angry will only hurt my practice in the long run. It will result in bad feedback to my referral sources and bad ratings on Yelp. Not only that, but if you’re also billing level four and five for a 6-minute visit that’s only going to invite an audit down the road.
Trying to hurry through the schedule isn’t good for patient care or doctor sanity. Too many things can be missed.
At the end of the day, I want to feel that I did my very best for my patients. This includes taking the time to listen and answer questions. I don’t see how that’s possible spending only 6 minutes with each one.
Dr. Block has a solo neurology practice in Scottsdale, Ariz.