Abstract
Background:Research has shown increases in efficiency and productivity by using physician extenders (PEs) in medical practices. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) that work as PEs in primary care sports medicine and orthopaedic practices improve clinic efficiency.Hypothesis:When compared with a medical assistant (MA), the use of an ATC as a PE in a primary care sports medicine practice will result in an increase in patient volume, charges, and collections.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:For 12 months, patient encounters, charges, and collections were obtained for the practices of 2 primary care sports medicine physicians. Each physician was assisted by an ATC for 6 months and by an MA for 6 months. Eighty full clinic days were examined for each physician.Results:Statistically significant increases were found in all measured parameters for the ATC compared with the MA. Patient encounters increased 18% to 22% per day, and collections increased by 10% to 60% per day.Conclusion:ATCs can optimize orthopaedic sports medicine practice by increasing patient encounters, charges, and collections.Clinical Relevance:Orthopaedic practices can be more efficient by using ATCs or MAs as PEs.
Published Version (Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Similar Papers
More From: Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.