Low Hanging Fruit

I had a discussion this week with my friend, former co-fellow and colleague, Dr Nakyda Dean, about changes that needed to happen in medicine. She pointed out the gap between what we need and thecurrent electronic health records (EHR) functionality. She described that a functional EHR would make our job (not just billing) easier, allow doctors to run better reports on our patients, allow for easier tracking and follow up. Clear workflows, without too many buttons and click features. Customization options. Better talk to text…

The list could go on. Easy solutions. 

These things seem like such low hanging fruit. However, doctors as end users, do not seem to be major contributors to EHR selection or implementation at hospitals or in health systems. At a hospital we use whatever system is in place without contributing to selection of thesystem. We have no/low purchasing power and limited, if any, input. 

There are many other “problems” in medicine that could be rectified and would improve quality of practice. 

Credentialing

As someone, who has undergone credentialing more times than I’d like, I am still yet to understand why it takes so long??

 NPI

Can the NPI registry send annual reminders to update our information or update it automatically when our license is registered at a practice?

Can we see reports on when/ how our NPI was used? 

State Licensure 

Licensure in each state is so varied.Why is it not centralized? Can theprocess by simplified? 

I could brainstorm so many easy fixes. I think we all can. 

I am excited to collaborate with more and more physicians, because collectively we need to start attacking our problems head on. 

ACTION ITEMS

What I’m reading this week:

This article from Kevinmd.com- 10 Mistakes Smart Doctors Make