Knowledge Library

Physician burnout is associated with two-fold increased odds for unsafe care, unprofessional behaviors, and low patient satisfaction¹ and that electronic health records (EHR) are a leading factor in physician burnout².

“The Healthcare vertical is rife with Error and Misuse. In fact, it is the only industry vertical that has more internal actors behind breaches than external.”¹

Even with this grim realization, there is some good news for healthcare practices. Because more than half of healthcare data breaches are caused by inadvertent actions of employees, there is an opportunity for practices to greatly reduce their risk of attack with employee training and awareness that builds a pervasive “culture of security.”

Patients are turning to sources such as ZocDoc, HealthGrades, Vitals, Yelp and other online physician review sources, and reviews are impacting where patients seek care. A 2016 survey conducted by Software Advice found that 72% percent of respondents used online reviews as a first step in seeking a medical provider. While this percentage may appear shockingly high to some, it accurately reflects our nation’s current consumer landscape. With similar models for selecting restaurants, clothing, cars, and other retail businesses, it was only a matter of time until the healthcare industry followed. Understanding what these online reviews say — and don’t say — can help your practice develop a strategy for improving these reviews and aid you in developing a positive reputation online.

What would happen to your patients if you could no longer practice medicine? Will your practice continue after you retire? What will happen to your staff or your colleagues? Every business owner and professional, no matter how passionate about a career, will eventually leave. Planned and unplanned life events such as retirement, death, physical or cognitive disabilities — or maybe a career change to teaching or writing — can trigger your departure from medicine. Developing an exit strategy will help you make business decisions that lead to a well-planned exit while also preparing for unforeseen circumstances.

Balancing personal and family time with your responsibilities as a physician may be one of your biggest challenges, especially if you are a self-employed physician in a solo or small practice since time off can mean no income for you and your staff. If you have wrestled with striking a balance between running your practice and having time for yourself and your family, there’s hope. Hiring a locum tenens during your absence may provide a solution that will allow you to take time off work to re-energize both body and mind and return to work with a renewed focus and sense of purpose without a negative financial impact.