Like many medical practices, those specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation (Pm&R), also known as physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, are facing increased pressure to maintain quality of care in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Traditionally, the goal of any Pm&R practice is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.
Today, however, the growing field of sports medicine has been folded into the typical physiatry practice. This, along with the pressure to compile reports and complete necessary forms for meaningful use, insurance compliance, Medicare regulations, and the Affordable Care Act have created greater demand on the already limited resources of physiatry physicians. Medical scribes can help practitioners save money and keep pace with the rapidly growing demand for rehabilitation and sports medicine services.
Pm&R Medical scribe Services
With the push toward electronic health records (EHRs) to meet the need for more detailed documentation, many physiatrists find it difficult to keep up with the fast pace and increased demand for their practice. Time spent on administrative tasks and entering data takes time away from seeing patients, developing rehabilitation programs, and working with patients in a hands-on manner. One solution, growing in popularity among physiatry clinics and rehab centers, is the employment of dedicated medical scribes. Medical scribes are trained individuals responsible for the collection and recording of patient and visit records.
Typically, a medical scribe follows a physician throughout the patient interaction, recording the details required for accurate medical records. This frees the physiatrist to concentrate on patient care, and the therapist to spend the bulk of their time working with patients in a hands-on manner such as manipulating joints and performing range of motion exercises.
A Qualitative and Quantitative Benefit
Perhaps more than any other type of medical practice, Pm&R providers require significant one-on-one time with individual patients. Supervised or assisted therapies are common. The hands-on nature of these therapeutic methods and procedures require the full attention of the physiatrist. Time spent on record keeping is down-time for the patient. And down-time is not therapeutic.
Less time spent between patients means more patients can be seen each day. Medical scribes allow Pm&R practices to keep up with the growing demand and generate higher profits, all while maintaining the highest quality of patient care during treatment. In the end, the increased profit potential pays for the scribes. It’s a win-win for the practice and the patient.
A Better Way
The bottom line is, if a Pm&R clinic sees more patients, they earn more money, and that added revenue more than covers the cost of a medical scribe. When a clinic is able to maximize its resources, improve quality of care, and serve additional patients, both its reputation and revenue grow. The incremental profits generated easily cover the cost of a medical scribe service..
The growing demand for physical medicine and rehabilitation services, particularly given the growth of the sports medicine industry, makes it hard for clinics to keep up. Medical scribes for physical medicine and rehabilitation can simplify record keeping and administration, leaving providers free to achieve their traditional goal… improving quality of life by getting their patients back on their feet as quickly as possible.
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