Author: Admin

Superstar Athletes Popularize Unproven Stem Cell Procedures

Stem cell injections are costly, controversial, and unproven to be effective. So, why are professional athletes pushing them?

By Liz Szabo, Kaiser Health News

Baseball superstar Max Scherzer — whose back injury has prevented him from pitching for the Washington Nationals since he last played  on July 25 — is the latest in a long list of professional athletes to embrace unproven stem cell injections in an attempt to accelerate their recovery.

But many doctors and ethicists worry that pro athletes — who have played a key role in popularizing stem cells — are misleading the public into thinking that the costly, controversial shots are an accepted, approved treatment.

“It sends a signal to all the fans out there that stem cells have more value than they really do,” said Dr. James Rickert, president of the Society for Patient Centered Orthopedics, which advocates for high-quality care. “It’s extremely good PR for the people selling this kind of thing. But there’s no question that this is an unproven treatment.”

Stem cells and related therapies, such as platelet injections, have been used for the past decade by top athletes: golfer Tiger Woods, tennis pro Rafael Nadal, hockey legend Gordie Howe, basketball player Kobe Bryant and NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. Stem cells are offered at roughly 1,000 clinics nationwide, as well as at some of the country’s most respected hospitals.

Depending on the treatment, the cost can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Insurance does not cover the treatments in most cases, so patients pay out of pocket.

Yet for all the hype, there’s no proof it works, said Paul Knoepfler, a professor in the department of cell biology and human anatomy at the University of California at Davis.

Referring to Scherzer, Knoepfler said, “There’s really not much evidence that it’s going to help him, other than as a psychological boost or as a placebo effect.”

Scherzer, 35, said he received a stem cell shot Friday for a mild strain in his upper back and shoulder. According to a news story on the Major League Baseball website, Scherzer also previously had a stem cell injection to treat a thumb injury.

If the diagnosis of Scherzer’s mild muscle strain is correct, it should completely heal itself with 10 days of rest, Rickert said, so Scherzer would probably feel ready to play by Monday even without the stem cells. But Rickert said he worries about other athletes who are tempted to return to the field too soon.

“The risk from the stem cell procedure is that it could give someone a false sense of confidence, and they could go back to play too early” and reinjure themselves, he said.

A spokeswoman for the Washington Nationals declined to provide information about Scherzer’s treatment, such as the type of stem cells used or the name of the clinician who administered them.

Clinics that offer stem cell treatments prepare injections by withdrawing a person’s fat or bone marrow, then processing the cells and injecting them back into aching joints, tendons or muscles.

Another popular treatment involves concentrating platelets — the cells that help blood clot. Many people confuse platelet injections with stem cell injections, perhaps because the shots are promoted as treatments for similar conditions, said Dr. Kelly Scollon-Grieve, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Premier Orthopaedics in Havertown, Pa.

When it comes to pain, injections can act as powerful placebos, partly because suffering patients put so much faith in treatment, said Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon and former consultant for the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a recent analysis, more than 80% of patients with knee arthritis perceived a noticeable improvement in pain after receiving a placebo of simple saline shots.

Team doctors often treat athletes with a variety of therapies, in the hope of getting them quickly back on the field, said Arthur Caplan, director of the division of medical ethics at New York University School of Medicine. Athletes may assume that stem cells are responsible for their recovery, when the real credit should go to other remedies, such as ice, heat, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone shots, massage, physical therapy or simple rest.

“These are the richest, most highly paid athletes around,” Caplan said. (Scherzer and the Nats agreed to a $210 million, seven-year contract in 2015.) “So anything you can think of, they’re getting. But I wouldn’t use them as a role model for how to treat injuries.”

While athletes often talk about their stem cell treatments, Caplan said he wonders, “Would the inflammation or problem have just gone away on its own?”

Sports fans shouldn’t expect to have the same reaction to stem cells — or any medical intervention — as a professional athlete, DiNubile said.

In general, athletes recover far more rapidly than other people, just because they’re so young and fit, DiNubile said. The genes and training that propelled them to the major leagues may also aid in their recovery. “They have access to the best care, night and day,” DiNubile said.

Whenever a top athlete is treated with stem cells, word spreads quickly on social media. Fans often end up doing the stem cell industry’s marketing for them: A 2015 analysis found that 72% of tweets about Gordie Howe’s stem cell treatments were positive. Of 2,783 tweets studied, only one mentioned that Howe’s treatment, delivered in Mexico after Howe’s stroke, was unproved and not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Howe died in 2016.

The Mexican stem cell clinic provided Howe’s treatment at no charge. Clinics use such donations as a form of marketing, because they generate priceless publicity, said Leigh Turner, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Bioethics who has published articles describing the size and dynamics of the stem cell market.

“Clinics provide free stem cell treatments or offer procedures at a discounted rate, and in return they can generate YouTube testimonials, press releases and positive media coverage,” Turner said. “It’s also a good way to build relationships with wealthy individuals and get them to refer friends and family members for stem cell procedures.”

Stem cell clinics often feature athletes and other celebrities on their websites and in marketing materials.

In a 2018 column, Los Angeles Times writer Michael Hiltzik noted that stem cell treatment has failed three baseball players with the Los Angeles Angels. Players Shohei Ohtani, Andrew Heaney and Garrett Richards, who is no longer with the Angels, tried stem cells in the past three years in an effort to avoid surgery. All ended up needing surgery anyway.

As DiNubile said, “the marketing is clearly ahead of the science, no question.”

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Physicians vs. Advanced Practitioners: Where Do You Stand?

A battle has been brewing between advanced practitioners seeking to expand their scope of practice and the physicians who oppose them. Where do you stand?

A battle has been brewing within the medical community for quite some time. As the physician workload has steadily multiplied due to physician shortages and increased documentation requirements, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants have upped their fight for full practice authority in an effort to boost productivity, lower health care costs, and increase access to care. This hot-button issue has split the physician community down the middle, into those who are glad for the assistance and those who greatly oppose non-doctors treating patients as if they are doctors. And, lately, for those who oppose APNs and PAs, the gloves have come off, so to speak.

Despite study after study after study after study finding that APNs and PAs provide care comparable to or even better than physicians, multiple doctors have taken to the internet to speak out against expanding their scope of practice.

“With all due respect to our healthcare team, I beg to differ that going through four years of college and completing an additional two years – sometimes online, no less – can truly be “just as effective”,” wrote Starla Fitch, MD, in an op-ed entitled NPs/PAs ‘Just as Effective’ as Physicians? I Don’t Think So.

In another posting, an open letter penned by the Presidents of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine Resident and Student Association directed at the American Medical Association Board of Directors called for the AMA to implement a public awareness campaign that “advocates for physician-led care and educates the public of the discrepancies in nurse practitioner care” and increase “resources on state-level legislative operations that combat independent practice bills introduced by midlevel providers.” The authors of the open letter went on to state, “These efforts should be a priority for the AMA. Waiting for the complete devaluation of our medical degrees and the resulting significant harm to our patients’ safety as they actively pursue less capable “providers” is not acceptable. We must work together to directly combat this pressing issue in order to protect our profession, our future physicians, and most importantly our patients.”

“There are absolutely patient safety concerns associated with NP and PA care. We don’t diminish the fact that physicians make mistakes, of course, but the type of mistake is often very different from those of non-physician practitioners. We have had many physicians and patients share stories with us of missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses by NPs and PAs, as well as excessive and inappropriate testing, prescribing, and treatment,” said another physician—Carmen Kavali, MD, who is also a board member of Physicians for Patient Protection.

There is no shortage of opposition. However, as Alison Moriarty Daley, MSN, APRN, PNP, put it as far back as 2011, “There are too many people who need high-quality, dedicated providers; we are such providers and deserve the appropriate respect, recognition, and support from the healthcare community.”

The physician shortage is not getting any better. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of between 21,100 and 55,200 primary care physicians by 2032, and physicians are burning out and, sadly, dying by suicide at an alarming rate. So, why the fight?

Where do you stand on the issue? Tell us in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

4 Technologies to Know About for Your Clinic

Keeping up with the latest technology is vital for the success of your clinic. Here are four to know about to help you innovate.

By Lizzie Weakley

Keeping up with the latest technology is vital for the success of your clinic. As the healthcare landscape becomes more competitive, having advanced equipment can attract new patients and retain current ones. Technological innovations can also make your clinic more efficient by reducing diagnosis and treatment time. Here are four technologies to consider adding to your practice today.

Advanced Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound is a safe, effective and non-invasive way to view internal parts of the body. However, the most well-known use of ultrasound is during prenatal exams to check the health of the fetus and give the parents a first look at their new baby. Adding advanced ultrasound technology, such as 3D and 4D ultrasounds, to your practice can not only improve diagnostic capabilities but also bring in revenue from expecting parents who are willing to pay extra for more detailed images.

Thermal Imaging

The use of a thermal camera to diagnose and monitor certain medical condition is one of the biggest recent advancements in healthcare. Unlike many other imaging technologies, thermal imaging is completely safe and painless with no radiation exposure. This technology is often used to help detect breast cancer by measuring the heat signatures produced by the blood vessels surrounding a tumor.

MelaFind Scanner

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. While the aggressive type called melanoma only accounts for one percent of these cancers, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. A non-invasive optical scanning technology known as MelaFind may revolutionize the early detection of this deadly cancer and reduce the need for painful biopsies. MelaFind is an easy-to-use handheld device that can analyze moles and lesions deep below the skin.

Telemedicine

Many people find it difficult to fit doctor appointments into their busy schedules. Telemedicine is a great way to reach these patients and help them manage their health more effectively. Conducting appointments via video conference allows patients to be seen and treated from their home, office or on the go. Another use of telemedicine is robotic technology in hospitals. Robot nurses equipped with video can check in on patients and free up staff for more important tasks.

Remember, just having advanced technology in your clinic isn’t enough. You must also invest in experienced, well-trained staff who can put that technology to use. Many advanced pieces of medical equipment require special training in order to use them effectively. Don’t forget to budget for training and new hires when considering a technology upgrade.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

How Do You Deal with “I Want to See a Doctor”?

What do you do when a patient has the audacity to say, “I want to see a real doctor,” thus calling into question your qualifications?

By Jessica Levinson

Earlier this year, while working the front desk in a specialist’s office that employed PAs, MDs, and DOs, it was a sentence I heard pretty frequently—“I want to see a doctor, not a PA.”

Though we followed company policy and told patients they would be seeing an advanced practitioner during scheduling, and though there was a clearly displayed sign in the waiting room informing patients that the practice employed PAs and NPs, patients would often claim they were not made aware and often said that they never would have scheduled an appointment and that they would not have wasted their time coming to the appointment, if they knew they were not seeing a physician, often in more colorful language.

Having written scores of articles for this very blog about the comparable or better care advanced practitioners provide, I cringed every time—while I also tried to convince patients to keep their appointments and see the advanced practitioner on staff. Sometimes, it worked. Sometimes, it didn’t. Mostly, I wondered how PAs and NPs dealt with the question themselves.

I asked one of the PAs on staff this very question. She said, in summation, “I’m not going to force them to see me. If they want to see a doctor, they’re welcome to. It’s just going to be a few weeks before they can get that appointment.”

As the physician shortage continues to grow and, in turn, to leave gaps in access to care, her sentiment seemed pretty spot on. Often, when scheduling patients, I was able to offer same day appointments with the PA or NP, but would need to look as far as three weeks out for a ten-minute time slot with the MD.

To me, it is more important to have whatever my medical issue is handled by someone who knows more than myself and a Google search, no matter their title. However, some will continue to want to be cared for exclusively by physicians. When they do, how do you find yourself responding? Tell us in the comments below.

Jessica Levinson is HealthJobsNationwide.com’s Social Media Manager and Brand Ambassador, who also moonlights as a best-selling poet and freelance writer.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Physicians and Suicidality: Identifying Risks and How to Help

Despite often being known as the healers, those who aim to save lives, it is estimated that as many as 400 physicians die by suicide in the U.S. each year.

Our physicians are unwell. Despite often being known as the healers, those who aim to save lives, it is estimated that as many as 400 physicians die by suicide in the U.S. each year. The profession has the highest suicide rate of any job, and one that is reportedly 1.4 to 2.3 times higher than the suicide rate of the general population—a rate that is, itself, up 33% since 1999.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that physicians are less likely to seek help due to several barriers, including time constraints, not wanting to draw attention to self-perceived weakness, and fears regarding their reputation and confidentiality.

Knowing the risks and warning signs associated with suicide can help physicians identify colleagues who may need help, but are not asking for it.

A recent systemic review found that physicians whose career is in transition, such as having recently completed medical school or residency, or those who are approaching retirement, are often the most vulnerable, and that anesthesiologists and psychiatrists are at a higher risk of attempting suicide. Other identified factors of risk include being female, identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or those who have a prior history of mental illness or substance abuse.

Warning signs to look for include:

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/Shame
  • Agitation/Anger
  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

Suicide is preventable. Help is possible. We encourage any physician that may be struggling with their mental health to seek help.

If you are in crisis, or want to speak to someone regarding a colleague who may be exhibiting signs of suicidality, we urge you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

4 Career Options That Don’t Require Traditional Medical Schooling

Healthcare offers many new jobs for individuals interested in a stable career, who don’t necessarily want to follow the traditional educational path.

By Anica Oaks

The healthcare field has expanded in recent years, driven by many factors, such as new technologies, more programs for medical coverage, and an aging population. The field offers many new jobs for individuals interested in the medical field, who don’t necessarily want to follow the traditional educational path. Here are four areas in the medical field that don’t require a bachelor’s degree or advanced training.

Ultrasound Technician Programs

Ultrasounds to monitor the progress of a growing fetus during pregnancy have become a common procedure in today’s medicine. But ultrasounds can also be used to detect a variety of health issues. Programs in medical sonography generally require 2 years of training for an associate degree. Bachelor degree programs are also common. Some one-year programs are available in some areas of the country. Certification is required in some states.

Medical Assistant Programs

The need for medical assistants is growing in many areas of the medical field, such as clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living centers and other institutions. These individuals do much of the preparatory work with patients, taking medical histories and basic procedures, such as taking temperatures, blood pressure readings and pulse rates, before individuals see the doctor. They may also prepare patients for tests, arrange hospital admissions, draw blood and do other tasks. Medical assistant programs teach a variety of technical and administrative skills and can vary in length.

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist

The expansion of insurance coverage has meant that more workers are needed for the coding and billing necessary to process insurance claims. This position requires an individual to read a patient’s medical chart to understand the nature of the medical problem and the treatment that is ordered. The information is then translated into the accepted codes that will allow insurance companies to pay for care. Individuals working in this field must have an eye for detail and must be able to communicate with medical professionals to clarify information related to the work. Medical billing and coding programs vary in length, from one to four years.

X-Ray Technician

X-ray technicians are trained to use the complex radiographic equipment that allows physicians a look inside the human body. Individuals need to have good people skills for patient interaction, an ability to understand highly technical equipment and attention to detail to ensure accuracy of the x-rays. X-ray technician programs generally require a 2-year program that will lead to certification.

The medical field offers a broad range of career positions to suit a variety of aptitudes. These jobs vary in the amount of direct patient care that is involved. If you have an interest in medical topics and would enjoy working in a healthcare setting, you can find many different career paths for professional fulfillment.

Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Highest Paying Job in Every State Is in Healthcare

Yes, you read that title correctly—the highest paying job in every single state in the United States is a healthcare job.

Yes, you read that title correctly—the highest paying job in every single state in the U.S. is a healthcare job.

The rankings, which were compiled by using wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, show the highest earners are most widely Anesthesiologists, accounting for 18 of the top paying positions, followed by Surgeons ranking as the highest paid in 15 states, and Obstetricians and Gynecologists taking the top paying spot in 10 states.

See what title takes the top pay in each state below.

  • Alabama: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $284,380

  • Alaska: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $281,170

  • Arizona: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $279,160

  • Arkansas: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $266,630

  • California: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $288,420

  • Colorado: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $286,560

  • Connecticut: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $272,080

  • Delaware: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $277,280

  • Florida: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $280,390

  • Georgia: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $273,450

  • Hawaii: Psychiatrists

    Average Salary: $269,800

  • Idaho: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $256,450

  • Illinois: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $261,300

  • Indiana: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $285,180

  • Iowa: Orthodontists

    Average Salary: $267,870

  • Kansas: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $282,940

  • Kentucky: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $278,590

  • Louisiana: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $253,630

  • Maine: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $286,810

  • Maryland: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $284,120

  • Massachusetts: Orthodontists

    Average Salary: $282,740

  • Michigan: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $261,310

  • Minnesota: Internists

    Average Salary: $251,310

  • Mississippi: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $280,350

  • Missouri: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $250,180

  • Montana: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $266,470

  • Nebraska: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $290,470

  • Nevada: Internists

    Average Salary: $260,100

  • New Hampshire: Physicians and Surgeons

    Average Salary: $275,840

  • New Jersey: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $285,850

  • New Mexico: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $287,680

  • New York: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $255,500

  • North Carolina: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $285,730

  • North Dakota: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $273,120

  • Ohio: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $285,000

  • Oklahoma: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $279,020

  • Oregon: Internists

    Average Salary: $251,050

  • Pennsylvania: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $278,010

  • Rhode Island: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $266,280

  • South Carolina: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $283,910

  • South Dakota: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $293,110

  • Tennessee: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $271,680

  • Texas: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $260,690

  • Utah: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $256,950

  • Vermont: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $277,550

  • Virginia: Surgeons

    Average Salary: $264,160

  • Washington: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $268,580

  • West Virginia: Anesthesiologists

    Average Salary: $281,000

  • Wisconsin: Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    Average Salary: $278,730

  • Wyoming: Internists

    Average Salary: $275,350

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Americans Increasingly Sedentary, Not More Active

Americans are often portrayed as being lazy, and a new study finds that they are living up to that stereotype, getting more sedentary over time.

When the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implemented their first Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in 2008, it was an effort to make Americans move more and, thus, improve their health. However, that hasn’t happened, or so finds a new study published in JAMA Network Open. And while this may mean job security for those in the therapy profession, it does not bode well for the health of Americans.

The JAMA study, which analyzed results from the 27,343 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2016, set out to find out what percentage of Americans met the activity guidelines, and how that rate may have changed over time since the guidelines’ release. The results were not promising. The percentage of Americans who met the activity guidelines remained mostly unchanged during the 10-year period—starting at 63.2% in 2007-2008, and rising just 2% to 65.2% in 2015-2016. Atop this, researchers marked an increase in sedentary behavior during this time, as well, up from 5.7 hours per day in 2007-2008 to 6.4 hours per day in 2015-2016.

“Our study has significant public health implications. Both insufficient physical activity and prolonged sedentary time are associated with a high risk of adverse health outcomes, including chronic diseases and mortality,” the authors of the study wrote. “Our findings highlight a critical need for future public health efforts to aim for not only an increase in physical activity but also a reduction in sedentary time.”

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Yet Another Physician Speaks Out Against PAs, NPs

As the physician shortage worsens, there is no shortage of physicians speaking out against the idea of PAs and NPs being comparable substitutes.

A physician-penned op-ed published online this week entitled “NPs/PAs ‘Just as Effective’ as Physicians? I Don’t Think So” casts a negative spotlight on PAs and NPs, yet again.

The piece, which was written by Starla Fitch, MD, an ophthalmologist, speaker, and personal coach, brings up the oft talked about physician shortage and all but ridicules the idea of advanced practitioners as a comparable substitute, with Fitch stating in the piece, “With all due respect to our healthcare team, I beg to differ that going through four years of college and completing an additional two years – sometimes online, no less – can truly be “just as effective.””

Fitch takes issue with calling PAs and NPs equal to physicians, but admits support is needed by other members of the healthcare team.

“I’m not arguing against having the support of other healthcare members. Trust me. The shortage is real. And we need to find solutions,” Fitch writes, continuing on to say, “But please don’t say, we are “just as effective.” I realize that there are many duties that nurse practitioners and physician assistants can do with skill and authority. And the reasons why primary care physicians are declining is multifactorial, for sure. As I see it, though, putting physicians and our skill side-by-side, on equal footing, with those who are not physicians only serves to drive a deeper wedge between the healthcare folks who need, at this crucial time, to come together.”

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Optimizing EHR to Reduce Burnout? It’s Worth A Shot.

There is no one solution to fix physician burnout, considering it is a multifaceted issue, but optimizing EHR certainly can’t hurt.

Burnout, as we’ve reported over and over and over, is a pervasive problem impacting the physician workforce in the United States. There is no one solution to fix it, considering it is a multifaceted issue. However, the AMA has one suggestion—streamlining EHR.

EHR, which is often labeled as a factor of physician burnout, hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype surrounding it when it was introduced. It was supposed to be the wave of the future, a way to improve the healthcare experience for not only patients, but staff, as well. It’s done nearly the opposite, becoming a time-consuming burden for physicians and leading to breaches of patient data in a way that was never really possible with paper health records. However, it is seemingly here to stay, so optimizing it only makes sense, and one practice in Massachusetts may have cracked the code on how to do this.

In 2016, Reliant Medical Group, a 500-provider multispecialty practice in Massachusetts, ranked in the 97th percentile nationally for EHR usability. The system they have developed has reportedly resulted in a 25% reduction in physician in-basket message volume over an 18-month period.

How did they do it?

Establish A Comprehensive EHR Team

Reliant developed a team, which is comprised of five physicians, one physician assistant, and a nurse, who work in concert with 12 members of the IT division. This team meets weekly to identify ways to improve efficiency, and then the programmers go to work to implement changes.

Automate When Possible

Reliant created a system that can automatically gather and share patient information from multiple sources, such as affiliated hospitals and health plans. This has helped them to cut down on time-consuming tasks, such as calling around to other organizations for information.

Delegate Where Appropriate

A physician’s overflowing inbox is another source of burnout. Tweaking EHR so that other members of the staff, such as medical assistants, can gather and receive information without producing a message for the physician helps alleviate this. Within Reliant’s practice, only laboratory results are sent to the primary care physician’s inbox for review, while routine consultation notes are no longer delivered directly to the physician.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.