Becker's ASC Review

18 Executive Briefing: "Gastroenterologists perform a lot of procedures," Dr. Sugar said. "As we have returned to practice, we've been sure to schedule breaks throughout the day for staff. This gives them a few minutes here and there to remove their masks. I think that's important." Technology solutions can reduce physicians' cognitive load The administrative burden associated with practice management can be significant, whether it's dealing with insurance companies, submitting payments, dealing with pharmacies and more. When the elements of practice management are efficient and smooth, however, physicians feel less stress. "If electronic health record systems, practice management systems and patient engagement tools are designed correctly, it reduces the cognitive load on physicians related to urgent tasks like obtaining prior authorization for biologics and other medications and dealing with documentation surrounding patient care," Dr. Servoss said. To address these needs, Modernizing Medicine Gastroenterology has created all-in-one, integrated solutions that include practice management, revenue cycle management, health records, e-prescribing and ASC procedure documentation. Clinicians can also access medical records on their mobile devices, so they can pull up patient charts at the hospital or wherever they are. "Having an electronic medical record that's integrated and allows you to communicate easily with patients, nurses, the front-desk staff or billers makes workflows more efficient," Dr. Sugar said. "A patient portal that supports easy communication of all kinds also decreases the administrative burden that can lead to increased burnout. It's possible, for example, to automate patient reminders and recalls." Technologies that support efficiency in a physician's practice can help reduce physician clinical burden. "With the right technology, physicians are free to use their brains for thinking about patient care," said Dr. Servoss. "That's really what physicians want — tools and technology to help reclaim their time with patients." Telehealth also has the potential to improve efficiency COVID-19 has highlighted the operational viability of telehealth. Virtual care solutions are new tools in physicians' armamentarium. Practices can use and flex telehealth systems to meet their needs and those of their patients. To provide value and reduce inefficiencies, however, organizations must deploy telehealth with care. "I think of telemedicine as a double-edged or even a multi- edged sword," Dr. Servoss said. "Providers aren't sure that telemedicine can serve all patient needs in the best way possible. Most say that it's a beautiful tool for seeing existing patients that are relatively stable for follow-up. It can help prevent burnout. I no longer have to drive half an hour to my office. I feel comfortable logging in from my home and having a video conference with a patient I already know. Right now, I see all my patients via telemedicine, and it's been helpful." Telehealth isn't a silver-bullet solution for all situations, however. In some clinical scenarios, a physical examination is the only way to successfully diagnose a patient's condition. In the virtual care setting, physicians can do a workup and think about potential diagnoses, but they are limited. Patient and physician preferences also play a role. Some are also more comfortable seeing one another face- to-face, rather than using telehealth applications. Despite these issues, virtual care solutions can increase physician productivity, while also increasing patient access to care. Dr. Servoss noted, "Telemedicine could potentially result in a more efficient practice. Seeing more of my follow- up patients with chronic disease via telehealth could allow me to dedicate more time in the office to seeing acutely ill patients or perhaps even new patients." As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, healthcare organizations must remain vigilant about physician well-being Certain regions of the United States are now seeing light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. In those places, businesses are reopening and doctors are resuming face-to face visits with patients. For people worldwide, however, COVID-19 has had significant mental health consequences. These have been particularly acute for physicians. "I think in the United States and elsewhere, we must be mindful of the global physician population and the strain that the pandemic has put on these professionals," Dr. Servoss said. "When people feel uncertainty and a lack of control, that exacerbates burnout. I don't believe that COVID-19 is the last virus we'll see that results in a pandemic and lockdowns. Looking ahead, we need to be proactive in thinking about our healthcare systems, how we deliver care and how physicians will survive the next round. Technology has to be one of the answers." n Ranked #1 among gastroenterologists, the gGastro EHR is designed by gastroenterologists for gastroenterologists. gGastro is more than an EHR - it is a complete suite of GI-specific software solutions. Developed by Modernizing Medicine® Gastroenterology, the gGastro suite is designed to help save time and support seamless workflows at your practice or ASC. Available as a cloud-based or server-based solution, any size practice can find a set of solutions to fit their needs and support success on the path toward productivity and growth. For gGastro clients, we offer modmed Communities for Gastroenterology that is helping redefine support with an intelligent interface and advanced communication channels. Multiple levels of users can connect with multiple levels of support options, development expertise and knowledge leaders, as well as colleagues and peers using gGastro on a single, easy-to-use platform.

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