We all feel pressure from not having enough time to care for our patients the way we want to.
Below I describe related challenges I frequently face during office visits. I also share strategies for making these visits go more smoothly and be more productive.
Organ Recital
Some of our patients need to share an update on all their symptoms each visit, old and new, including those that are minor or possibly concerning. I have learned over the years that, for many patients, this allows them to release the worry about symptoms.
Some symptoms are so distressing and severe that symptomatic treatment is needed, but most aren't.
I am very honest with patients when I have no idea what is causing their symptoms. I tell them, we will watch for other clues to see if the symptom needs a workup.
One thing I don't do, and I strongly recommend against, is doing a review of systems. This leads a patient to believe you are concerned about exploring each possible symptom, ones that they didn't even bring up! The yield is very low, and the time commitment is great.
The Angry Patient
Imagine a scenario when you are running 15 minutes behind and, when you step into the room, your patient is angry.
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COMMENTARY
How to Make Visits Run More Smoothly and Be More Productive
Douglas S. Paauw, MD
May 19, 2022
We all feel pressure from not having enough time to care for our patients the way we want to.
Below I describe related challenges I frequently face during office visits. I also share strategies for making these visits go more smoothly and be more productive.
Organ Recital
Some of our patients need to share an update on all their symptoms each visit, old and new, including those that are minor or possibly concerning. I have learned over the years that, for many patients, this allows them to release the worry about symptoms.
Some symptoms are so distressing and severe that symptomatic treatment is needed, but most aren't.
I am very honest with patients when I have no idea what is causing their symptoms. I tell them, we will watch for other clues to see if the symptom needs a workup.
One thing I don't do, and I strongly recommend against, is doing a review of systems. This leads a patient to believe you are concerned about exploring each possible symptom, ones that they didn't even bring up! The yield is very low, and the time commitment is great.
The Angry Patient
Imagine a scenario when you are running 15 minutes behind and, when you step into the room, your patient is angry.
Credits:
Lead image: Morsa Images/Getty Images
Image1: Dr Douglas Paauw
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Cite this: How to Make Visits Run More Smoothly and Be More Productive - Medscape - May 19, 2022.