Addressing systems and administrative challenges

Running a successful dermatology practice hinges not only on exceptional patient care but also on efficient administration. While challenges vary based on practice type and other factors, most practices face common administrative burdens. These burdens are a major driver of burnout.

Surveys conducted among Academy members between 2016-2020 revealed that the most pressing administrative burdens in dermatology practices include EHR documentation, prior authorization and other insurance interference of treatment, and MIPS requirements, among others.

The surveys also show that EHR documentation alone adds an additional 6 hours to a dermatologist’s work week on average. Office administration and prior authorization burdens follow closely, together adding 3 hours a week. The financial impact of prior authorization requirements is substantial, with practices spending an average of $40K per practice on specialized staff to manage the process. Furthermore, MIPS compliance typically makes up more than 75% of a practice manager’s responsibilities.

Education and resources are your allies in overcoming these challenges and mitigating their adverse effects on productivity and morale. The Practice Management Center (PMC) offers targeted resources addressing these top three burdens:

1. EHR documentation: Dive into this section of the PMC to optimize your EHR usage. Discover tips on using patient portals effectively, employing apps or scribes to reduce documentation load, and more.

2. Prior authorization (PA): Use our popular Prior Authorization Appeal Letter Tool to streamline your appeals process. The tool, developed by and for dermatologists, generates letters for more than 60 common dermatologic drugs. This section also includes resources for physicians and staff to streamline the PA process, including workflows, podcasts, and more.

3. MIPS: Navigate the complexities of MIPS with a step-by-step guide. Make informed decisions on participation to avoid penalties and earn incentives. Seamlessly report by enrolling with DataDerm^™, the Academy’s clinical registry.

While these resources directly address dermatologists’ top three burdens, the PMC is a comprehensive hub. It covers compliance (HIPAA, OSHA, CLIA), coding, scope of practice, private payers, teledermatology, staffing, practice optimization, physician wellness, and more. Find all of these and more at staging.aad.org/practicecenter.

Moreover, the practice management staff is just a few clicks away. You can reach us by filling out this form.

Members can expect expert support within 2 business days, offering invaluable assistance for resolving complex issues, optimizing practice efficiency, and supporting optimal patient experiences.

While administrative tasks are inevitable, they need not be insurmountable challenges. Armed with education and support from the PMC, you can efficiently navigate these essential tasks, thereby enhancing your practice’s operations and patient care. Empower yourself today to add value back to your dermatology practice.

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