The PMD Critical List: Drowning in Paperwork

This week's list of must-read stories includes a look at the high cost of paperwork -- even in the digital age -- and a US senator's last look at what he sees as government waste.

• American Doctors are Drowning in Paperwork (MedicalXPress)

A study found that the average doctor spends 8.7 hours per week on non-patient related administration. And, amazingly enough, for those docs who use EHRs over paper records their administration time was longer.

• NIH Skewered in Final “Wastebook” (Politico)

He’s a US Senator and physician who retiring from Congress—unfortunately. A government spending watchdog, Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn blasts the National Institutes of Health for spending nearly $400,000 studying the “effect of Swedish massages on rabbits.”

• For Physicians — Which Price Is Right? (Newswise.com)

While research indicates that healthcare spending drops when doctors know the cost of a procedure, there are essential clinical and ethical considerations that make the display of care prices challenging.

• Tips for Managing Employed Physicians (HealthLeadersMedia.com)

About one out of every 4 doctors today works for a hospital or healthcare system. Here a lawyer offers guidance on dealing with doctor-employees—or “professionals unaccustomed to being managed.”

• Doctors Owe Thousands in Student Loans (ABC News)

Fewer than 900 physicians nationally are listed as real deadbeats and yet it warrants a big headline and a 20/20 TV show? With the astronomical cost of medical education today, it’s shocking it’s so few.

• The Health Issue from The New York Times Magazine

Here is a series of articles and columns from the staff of the NY Times on medicine, fitness, nutrition, health care and life. Good for a look.

• 95% of Doctors Worried About Meat (Consumer Reports)

A national survey by the respected consumer protection outfit shows deep worry by medical professionals about the overuse of antibiotics in US livestock. Physicians are seeing a spike in patients with antibiotic-resistant infections.

• Why is There No US Surgeon General? (Washington Examiner)

The 37-year-old physician who was nominated for the post has been waiting for a Senate confirmation vote for over a year. Here’s an interesting take on the delay. Can you say “politics?”

• The Generation Y Physician (Huffington Post)

A couple of physician bloggers offer up some thoughtful insights on this “demographical cohort of 20- to 30-somethings” who will be the nation’s healers in the years to come. Lesson: Embrace change!

• Hospitalists Less-Likely Targets of Malpractice Claims (The Hospitalist)

For doctors who want to get sued less, the answer is to “develop and hone skills which allow you to quickly establish rapport with patients and families.” It’s about the face time.