Real-world solutions for orthopaedic on-call problems.
An increasing percentage of emergency departments are reporting an inadequate number of on-call specialists. This situation is causing a growing crisis in emergency department on-call coverage for patients requiring orthopaedic care. Many orthopaedic surgeons are electing to opt out of emergency department on-call service. For many reasons, including a dwindling supply of eager participants, more medical groups are finding it difficult to fulfill their on-call obligations. This problem demands a variety of strategies to address the multiple causative factors that occur in practice settings. Initially, it may be necessary to incentivize on-call service so more surgeons are willing to participate. Incentives may include improving the group governance and bylaws to avoid confusion on the rules for providing on-call coverage. The on-call experience may require financial improvements, outsourcing with locum tenens, or a complete restructuring of the on-call arrangement with the formation of a hospitalist program.
Orthopaedic Trauma Practice Consultants, Lutz, FL, USA.
Samuel G
SG
Agnew
Robert H
RH
Blotter
Paul K
PK
Kosmatka
Guy J
GJ
Rudin
D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003284:Contract Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D020445:Hospitalists; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010820:Physicians / Q000191:economics; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D016526:Workload