Increasing physician productivity using a physician extender: a study in an outpatient group practice at the Mayo Clinic.
Physician extenders (PE) can perform some tasks usually performed by a physician. Time recouped by physicians using a PE may increase physician productivity and physician professional satisfaction. A prospective study was completed using a PE in an outpatient general medical group practice setting to reduce physician indirect patient care, such as responding to patient telephone calls, refilling prescriptions, triage, and order entry. Physicians using a PE had increased productivity relative to physicians who did not use a PE. Physician satisfaction with the PE model was excellent. A physician extender may improve physician productivity by performing indirect patient care usually performed by physicians.
Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. rodysill.kirk@mayo.edu
Kirk J
KJ
Rodysill
D004526:Efficiency; D006123:Group Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010823:Physician Assistants; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011787:Quality of Health Care