You may think that when Family Doctors need to order tests or referrals, then that work just magically gets done with a single click in a computer.

But that is FAR from true.

What may seem like just a 15 minute visit can actually require MORE THAN DOUBLE that for the doctor:

• 2 – 10 minutes to write the summary note.
• 1 -2 minutes to do the prescriptions.
• 1 -2 minutes to order bloodwork.
• 2 – 5 minutes to order a test.
• 2 – 5 minutes to send a referral to a specialist.

Total = up to 24 minutes AFTER the visit!

Here is a video that demonstrates all the invisible work that is done behind the scenes when the visit is over:

What may seem like “just” 6 extra minutes can really add up.

If a doctor has to send 20 tests and/or referrals per day, that’s 2 HOURS in extra paperwork alone (PER DAY)!

• When a specialist REJECTS a referral, or
• When a patient asks to REDIRECT a referral,

… Family Doctors and their staff have to then spend more time CANCELLING the original paperwork, and then REDOING it all over again.

by Dr. Adam Stewart

February 15th, 2024