In this episode, we tackle the critical issue of healthcare worker burnout and explore how practices can address this growing challenge. From workforce shortages to administrative burdens, we dive into the key factors driving burnout and discuss actionable solutions. Learn how automation, such as online patient scheduling, automated billing systems, and efficient EHR management, can alleviate stress for healthcare teams. We also look to the future of healthcare automation, exploring innovations like smart waiting rooms and predictive analytics, and emphasize the importance of starting small when implementing new technologies. Discover how leveraging technology and fostering a compassionate workplace can enhance the human experience in healthcare while ensuring better outcomes for both staff and patients.
Transcript
Narrator: 00:00
Welcome to the Billing Blueprint Podcast, your go to resource for innovative medical billing solutions. Each episode we explore the latest industry trends and share proven strategies to help your practice streamline operations and get paid faster. Now here are your hosts, Brad and Sarah.
Sarah: 00:21
Welcome back, everybody. Today we're kind of diving into something that I'm sure you've all experienced firsthand. The strain on our healthcare system.
Brad: 00:29
Yeah, for sure.
Sarah: 00:30
We've got three articles from Next Trust, Bill Flash, and they're all about tackling this very issue.
Brad: 00:35
Okay, cool.
Sarah: 00:36
The articles are Healthcare Burnout, to balance healthcare staffing shortages and how automation can help. And then just a short excerpt as well.
Brad: 00:46
Sounds like some interesting stuff.
Sarah: 00:47
Yeah, definitely. So are you ready to kind of get a little deeper into what's causing this strain, what it means for us, and maybe how we can fix it?
Brad: 00:56
Yeah, let's do it.
Sarah: 00:57
Yeah.
Brad: 00:57
I think these articles are important because they don't just lay out the problems, they actually try to offer solutions.
Sarah: 01:02
Yeah, and one of the solutions they really focus on is automation.
Brad: 01:05
Right.
Sarah: 01:05
Okay, so first we need to understand what healthcare burnout actually is.
Brad: 01:09
Yeah, good point.
Sarah: 01:11
One of the articles defines it as a chronic stress reaction that leads to exhaustion.
Brad: 01:15
Oh, wow.
Sarah: 01:16
And not just one kind of exhaustion, but emotional, physical, and mental.
Brad: 01:20
Yeah, I could see how that would be really tough.
Sarah: 01:22
So what does that actually look like for someone working in healthcare?
Brad: 01:25
I think it means constantly being on, you know, juggling all the demands of patient care with tons of administrative tasks.
Sarah: 01:33
Yeah, it sounds overwhelming.
Brad: 01:34
And then you add on the emotional weight of knowing that even a small mistake could have really big consequences.
Sarah: 01:39
Right. A lot of pressure.
Brad: 01:41
It's no wonder why so many healthcare professionals are struggling.
Sarah: 01:44
Yeah, the stats are pretty alarming.
Brad: 01:46
Yep. What are we looking at?
Sarah: 01:47
Well, one of the articles cited a 2024 report that said 49% of healthcare workers are experiencing burnout.
Brad: 01:54
Wow. That's. That's a lot of people.
Sarah: 01:57
It is. And it's actually down from a high of 62.8% in 2021.
Brad: 02:02
So it's getting a little bit better, but still a huge number.
Sarah: 02:05
Yeah. Almost half the people we rely on for our health are feeling burnt out.
Brad: 02:08
Right. And that makes you wonder how it's impacting the quality of care we all receive.
Sarah: 02:12
Exactly. So the articles point to a few main causes for this burnout.
Brad: 02:16
Okay, what are they?
Sarah: 02:17
Workforce shortages, exposure to trauma, administrative burdens, and lack of support.
Brad: 02:23
Those are all big problems, for sure.
Sarah: 02:24
Out of those, which one do you think is the most pervasive?
Brad: 02:27
Oh, that's a tough one. Yeah, they're all kind of interconnected, but I'd say workforce shortages are a big part of the problem.
Sarah: 02:35
Okay, I can see that.
Brad: 02:36
Fewer workers means that everyone else has to work longer hours, take on more patience, and often for not enough pay.
Sarah: 02:44
Yeah, it sounds like a recipe for burnout.
Brad: 02:47
Exactly. And that's even if you love your job and are really dedicated.
Sarah: 02:50
Right. And then on top of that, you have the constant exposure to trauma.
Brad: 02:54
Yeah, that must be incredibly difficult.
Sarah: 02:56
These are people who are seeing suffering and death on a daily basis.
Brad: 03:00
Right. How could that not take a toll on your mental and emotional health?
Sarah: 03:03
I know people talk about compassion fatigue.
Brad: 03:06
Yeah.
Sarah: 03:06
But it's more than just feeling tired. Right.
Brad: 03:09
It's like this deeper emotional exhaustion that comes from constantly giving without getting enough support in return.
Sarah: 03:15
And then on top of all of that, you add the administrative burden.
Brad: 03:19
Don't ever get me started on the paperwork.
Sarah: 03:21
The articles talked about how much time healthcare workers have to spend on paperwork and just dealing with bureaucracy.
Brad: 03:26
It's the worst.
Sarah: 03:28
It's taking them away from what they're passionate about. Patient care.
Brad: 03:32
Yeah, it's got to be demoralizing. You know, you're a doctor or a nurse, and you want to spend your time helping patients.
Sarah: 03:37
Right.
Brad: 03:38
But instead, you're stuck filling out forms and dealing with these complex billing systems.
Sarah: 03:41
It's no wonder they feel burnt out.
Brad: 03:43
Yeah, I'd feel burnt out, too.
Sarah: 03:44
And disillusioned, for sure. I wonder if that also makes them feel undervalued.
Brad: 03:48
Oh, I bet it does.
Sarah: 03:49
Like, if your time is constantly being pulled in different directions and you're not getting the support you need.
Brad: 03:54
Right. It would be easy to feel like you're not appreciated.
Sarah: 03:57
So, knowing all this, how do you think this widespread burnout affects healthcare practices?
Brad: 04:03
Well, think about what happens when someone is burnt out.
Sarah: 04:06
Okay?
Brad: 04:06
Their job satisfaction goes way down, they're more likely to call in sick, and turnover rates go up.
Sarah: 04:12
And that leads to fewer healthcare workers.
Brad: 04:15
Exactly.
Sarah: 04:15
Which means longer wait times, reduced access to care.
Brad: 04:19
Right. And sometimes even delayed diagnoses and treatments.
Sarah: 04:22
It's like this ripple effect that ends up impacting every single one of us.
Brad: 04:26
Yeah, pretty much anyone who needs health care.
Sarah: 04:28
And that's not even mentioning the potential increase in medical errors.
Brad: 04:32
Oh, right, because when healthcare workers are overworked and exhausted, they can't function at their best.
Sarah: 04:38
Exactly. And that's a scary thought, because we're putting our lives in their hands.
Brad: 04:42
We trust them to make the right decisions, but the system is pushing them to the Brink of exhaustion.
Sarah: 04:47
It's a big problem. So what can we do about it?
Brad: 04:50
That's what we're going to explore in the next part.
Sarah: 04:52
The article suggests that technology could be a game changer here. Specifically automation.
Brad: 04:58
Okay, that sounds interesting.
Sarah: 04:59
So stay tuned. In part two, we're going to break down exactly how automation can help tackle this crisis.
Brad: 05:05
Sounds good. Welcome back. You know that stat we talked about, almost half of healthcare workers experiencing burnout.
Sarah: 05:13
Yeah, it's pretty shocking.
Brad: 05:15
Well, one of the articles tells this story about a nurse.
Sarah: 05:17
Okay.
Brad: 05:18
And she was amazing at her job. Everyone loved her.
Sarah: 05:21
Oh, wow.
Brad: 05:22
But she ended up leaving.
Sarah: 05:24
Really?
Brad: 05:25
Yeah, because the system just kind of chewed her up and spit her out.
Sarah: 05:28
That's awful.
Brad: 05:28
It is, and it happens way too often. But I think these articles offer a little bit of hope.
Sarah: 05:33
Okay, how so?
Brad: 05:34
Well, they suggest that technology, and specifically automation, could play a role in turning things around.
Sarah: 05:41
That's interesting. So it's not about replacing healthcare workers with robots then?
Brad: 05:45
No, not at all. It's about using technology to help relieve some of the pressure that leads to burnout.
Sarah: 05:52
Okay, I like that. One area that really stood out to me was patient scheduling.
Brad: 05:57
Oh yeah, that's a big one.
Sarah: 05:58
It just seems like a constant source of stress for everyone involved.
Brad: 06:02
For sure. Think about all the time wasted on phone calls, juggling appointments, dealing with cancellations and managing waitlists.
Sarah: 06:09
Ugh.
Brad: 06:10
It's so inefficient and frustrating for everyone.
Sarah: 06:12
I've definitely been that patient stuck on hold forever just trying to schedule a simple checkup.
Brad: 06:16
Exactly. And for the staff, it's this constant scramble to keep up. Yeah, but imagine if patients could just schedule, reschedule, or even cancel appointments online.
Sarah: 06:26
Through like a patient portal.
Brad: 06:28
Yeah, exactly. Like the ones that some healthcare systems are starting to use.
Sarah: 06:31
Okay. Yeah, I've seen those.
Brad: 06:33
It would free up so much staff time and it would give patients more control over their own healthcare.
Sarah: 06:38
That makes a lot of sense.
Brad: 06:39
Yeah.
Sarah: 06:39
The articles also mention these automated wait list management systems.
Brad: 06:43
Oh yeah, those are cool.
Sarah: 06:44
Where they automatically slot patients into cancellations.
Brad: 06:48
Exactly. Have you seen those in action?
Sarah: 06:50
I haven't, but they sound really efficient.
Brad: 06:52
They are. Not only do they reduce wait times for patients, but they also take a huge burden off the staff.
Sarah: 06:59
I bet. Because they don't have to manually manage those cancellations anymore.
Brad: 07:02
Exactly. Another area where automation seems like a no brainer is billing.
Sarah: 07:07
Oh yeah, for sure.
Brad: 07:09
And insurance claims processing.
Sarah: 07:10
It's such a complex process.
Brad: 07:12
It is. It's detail oriented and it often involves a lot of back and forth with insurance companies, it's a headache for everyone and a major source of stress for healthcare workers. Plus, any errors in billing can have huge financial consequences for both the healthcare.
Sarah: 07:27
Practice and the patient.
Brad: 07:28
Right, but these automated systems can help mitigate those risks.
Sarah: 07:32
How so?
Brad: 07:32
Well, they can pre populate claims forms, flag potential errors, and even track claim statuses in real time.
Sarah: 07:39
So it reduces the likelihood of denials and delays.
Brad: 07:43
Exactly. So we're talking about increased accuracy, efficiency and peace of mind for everyone involved. Exactly. And then there's the issue of managing electronic health records.
Sarah: 07:52
Oh yeah, ehrs, they were supposed to.
Brad: 07:54
Make things easier, but in a lot of cases they've just added another layer of complexity.
Sarah: 07:59
Yeah, I can see that. Healthcare workers are already overloaded with information.
Brad: 08:03
Right. And now they have to learn these complex digital systems on top of everything else.
Sarah: 08:08
It's a lot to handle.
Brad: 08:08
It is, but automation can help streamline things.
Sarah: 08:12
In what way?
Brad: 08:13
Well, the articles mention tools that can digitize paper records, automate clinical note taking, and just improve the organization of EHR systems.
Sarah: 08:21
So it's not just reducing the workload, it's also about making information more accessible.
Brad: 08:26
Exactly. And don't forget about the importance of communication within healthcare teams.
Sarah: 08:30
Oh, right, because that's crucial for coordinated care.
Brad: 08:33
For sure. But with so many moving parts, it's easy for things to slip through the cracks.
Sarah: 08:38
Yeah, especially when everyone's so busy.
Brad: 08:39
But that's where automation can really help.
Sarah: 08:42
How so?
Brad: 08:42
Well, it can make sure the tasks are routed to the right people, that alerts are sent for overdue items, and that communication with patients is timely.
Sarah: 08:51
That sounds incredibly helpful. So it seems like automation could really touch every aspect of the healthcare system.
Brad: 08:56
I think so. But of course, no solution is perfect.
Sarah: 09:00
Right. Are there any downsides we should be aware of?
Brad: 09:02
Yeah, there are definitely some challenges. One concern is job displacement.
Sarah: 09:06
Okay, I can see why people would be worried about that.
Brad: 09:09
If machines start doing tasks that humans used to do, what happens to those workers?
Sarah: 09:14
It's a valid concern. We need to make sure we're not leaving people behind.
Brad: 09:18
I agree. I think the key is to focus on automating tasks that are repetitive, time consuming, and frankly, kind of soul crushing for humans.
Sarah: 09:26
So let machines handle the data entry and the form filling.
Brad: 09:29
Exactly. That way healthcare workers can focus on the things that they do best, like providing compassionate care and building relationships with patients. Right. It's about using technology to enhance the human experience, not replace it.
Sarah: 09:44
That's a good distinction. Another challenge I see is the learning curve with new technology.
Brad: 09:49
Oh yeah, that's a big one.
Sarah: 09:50
Healthcare workers are already so busy, how are they supposed to find the time to learn new systems?
Brad: 09:55
You're right. Training and ongoing support are absolutely crucial. You can't just throw new software at someone and expect them to figure it out.
Sarah: 10:03
And I imagine it's important to involve healthcare workers in the decision making process too.
Brad: 10:07
Definitely. They need to feel like they're part of the solution, not just having change dictated to them.
Sarah: 10:14
So getting their input and feedback is key.
Brad: 10:16
Absolutely. It's essential for successful implementation.
Sarah: 10:19
I also wonder about the cost of all this technology.
Brad: 10:22
Yeah, that's a valid concern. Healthcare's already facing so many financial constraints.
Sarah: 10:26
Can they really afford to invest in all these new solutions?
Brad: 10:30
Well, the articles actually argue that automation can lead to cost savings in the long run. Think about all the increased efficiency, reduced errors, and faster turnaround times we've talked about.
Sarah: 10:40
Yeah, those would all save money.
Brad: 10:41
Exactly. So it's not just about improving the lives of healthcare workers. It's also about making the system more sustainable.
Sarah: 10:48
And don't forget about the potential for better patient outcomes.
Brad: 10:52
Oh, right. Because when healthcare workers are less stressed and burnt out, they can provide better care.
Sarah: 10:57
So it's a win, win, win for healthcare workers, for healthcare practices and for patients.
Brad: 11:01
Exactly. And while there are definitely challenges to implementing automation, I think the potential benefits are just too significant to ignore.
Sarah: 11:11
So we've talked about how automation can help with burnout and improve healthcare processes.
Brad: 11:16
Right.
Sarah: 11:16
But what does the future hold for healthcare automation?
Brad: 11:19
Well, the future is pretty exciting. There are so many emerging technologies that could really revolutionize healthcare.
Sarah: 11:25
Like what?
Brad: 11:26
We're talking about things like smart waiting rooms, advanced robotic process automation, predictive analytics, and natural language generation.
Sarah: 11:34
Whoa, whoa, slow down. Let's break those down one by one. What are smart waiting rooms?
Brad: 11:39
Okay, so think about self check in kiosks, virtual waiting areas, and personalized entertainment options.
Sarah: 11:48
So it's about transforming the patient intake process.
Brad: 11:50
Exactly. Reducing wait times and improving the overall experience.
Sarah: 11:54
No more crowded waiting rooms with those outdated magazines.
Brad: 11:57
Nope. And then there's advanced robotic process automation, which can handle even more complex tasks.
Sarah: 12:04
Than what we have now.
Brad: 12:05
Yeah, and they can learn and adapt as they go.
Sarah: 12:07
So we could automate things like prior authorization requests.
Brad: 12:10
Exactly. Or medication refills, Even some aspects of diagnosis and treatment planning.
Sarah: 12:15
That's incredible. But it also sounds like it could raise some ethical concerns.
Brad: 12:19
Definitely. As we develop these technologies, we have to be really mindful of the ethical.
Sarah: 12:23
Implications and make sure they're used responsibly.
Brad: 12:25
Exactly. With human oversight.
Sarah: 12:27
Yeah.
Brad: 12:27
What about predictive analytics.
Sarah: 12:29
Okay, yeah. How would that impact healthcare?
Brad: 12:31
Well, predictive analytics can help healthcare practices make better decisions.
Sarah: 12:34
About what?
Brad: 12:35
About things like staffing, scheduling and resource allocation.
Sarah: 12:38
By analyzing data trends.
Brad: 12:40
Right. So they can anticipate needs and prevent problems before they happen.
Sarah: 12:43
So it's like using data to prevent burnout.
Brad: 12:46
Exactly. And the natural language generation can be used to automate all sorts of documentation.
Sarah: 12:51
Like what?
Brad: 12:51
Things like patient summaries, letters and other documents.
Sarah: 12:55
So it frees up even more staff time.
Brad: 12:57
Exactly. It seems like the possibilities are endless.
Sarah: 13:00
They really do. But for healthcare practices that are listening and thinking, okay, this all sounds great, but where do we even start? What advice would you give them?
Brad: 13:09
I think the key is to start by identifying your specific needs and pain points.
Sarah: 13:13
So figure out where automation could make the biggest difference.
Brad: 13:16
Exactly. And don't try to do everything at once. Start with a small pilot project.
Sarah: 13:21
Okay. Keep it manageable.
Brad: 13:22
Right. And see how it goes. And remember, it's not just about the technology. It's about finding the right partner.
Sarah: 13:27
You mean a vendor?
Brad: 13:28
Yeah. Find a vendor who really understands healthcare and can provide good support and training.
Sarah: 13:33
So do your research, ask questions. Make sure you're partnering with someone you can trust.
Brad: 13:38
Exactly. And once you've implemented a solution, don't forget to measure the results.
Sarah: 13:43
Oh, right. See if it's actually working.
Brad: 13:46
True. Track things like efficiency, cost savings and staff satisfaction.
Sarah: 13:49
So make data driven decisions even when you're implementing new technology.
Brad: 13:53
Exactly. But the most important thing to remember is that technology is a tool to.
Sarah: 13:58
Help healthcare workers and improve patient care.
Brad: 14:01
Exactly. It's about striking a balance.
Sarah: 14:03
Using technology to enhance the human experience, not replace it.
Brad: 14:08
Exactly. We're talking about creating a better healthcare system for everyone.
Sarah: 14:11
Well, that covers a lot of ground. The, the potential benefits, the challenges, and even a glimpse into the future.
Brad: 14:17
It's a complex issue, for sure, but.
Sarah: 14:18
It'S an important one.
Brad: 14:19
Definitely. And in the final part of our deep dive, we're going to bring it all together.
Sarah: 14:23
Okay.
Brad: 14:24
And talk about how we can create a healthcare system that prioritizes well being for everyone.
Sarah: 14:29
For both healthcare workers and patients.
Brad: 14:32
Exactly.
Sarah: 14:33
Okay, so we've talked a lot about the what and the how of healthcare burnout and automation.
Narrator: 14:39
Right.
Brad: 14:39
The nuts and bolts.
Sarah: 14:40
But what about the why?
Brad: 14:42
The why?
Sarah: 14:42
Yeah, like why should all of us care about fixing this system?
Brad: 14:46
That's a good question. Yeah, yeah. Even those of us who aren't healthcare workers.
Sarah: 14:50
Exactly.
Brad: 14:51
Well, I think about this a lot. And on a basic level, a healthy society needs a healthy health care system.
Sarah: 14:58
Makes sense.
Brad: 14:59
And when that system is struggling, it affects everyone, not just the people working in it.
Sarah: 15:03
It's true. We've all seen the headlines, you know, about long wait time staffing shortages.
Brad: 15:09
Right. Even hospitals closing.
Sarah: 15:10
And those aren't just numbers. Those are real people who are struggling to get the care they need.
Brad: 15:14
Exactly. And remember we talked the potential for more medical errors when healthcare workers are burnt out.
Sarah: 15:21
Yeah, that was a scary thought.
Brad: 15:22
It's a risk that none of us should be okay with. Our lives literally depend on these people being able to do their jobs.
Sarah: 15:28
Well, it's true. One thing the articles mentioned that really stood out to me was this idea that fixing burnout isn't just about technology or policies.
Brad: 15:36
Oh yeah, I remember that part.
Sarah: 15:37
It's about changing how we think about healthcare and the people who provide it.
Brad: 15:41
I think that's huge. You know, we can't expect healthcare professionals to be superhuman.
Sarah: 15:46
Right.
Brad: 15:47
They're just people like the rest of.
Sarah: 15:48
Us with their own needs and limitations.
Brad: 15:50
Exactly. We need to create a culture that values their well being and understands the pressure they're under.
Sarah: 15:56
Isn't it kind of ironic though?
Brad: 15:58
Yeah. How so?
Sarah: 15:59
Well, we expect them to take care of us when we're at our most vulnerable.
Brad: 16:03
Right. When we need them the most.
Sarah: 16:04
But we don't always show them the same compassion.
Brad: 16:07
I know. It's like we expect them to just absorb all the stress and trauma without showing any signs of strain.
Sarah: 16:13
Yeah. And that's just not realistic.
Brad: 16:15
Not at all. The articles also talked about how healthcare organizations can create a more supportive environment.
Sarah: 16:21
Yeah, like from the top down.
Brad: 16:23
Exactly.
Sarah: 16:23
Yeah.
Brad: 16:24
Leaders need to set the tone and show that their staff's well being is a top priority.
Sarah: 16:28
So things like offering flexible work arrangements.
Brad: 16:31
Right.
Sarah: 16:32
Providing mental health resources, leading by example. Basically, it's about creating a culture where healthcare workers feel valued and supported and empowered, and ultimately that leads to better care for patients.
Brad: 16:44
It's all connected. So as we wrap up this deep dive, what are some key takeaways? What do we want people to remember?
Sarah: 16:51
Yeah. What should our listeners walk away with?
Brad: 16:53
Well, first of all, I hope they have a better understanding of how complex healthcare burnout is and how big of.
Sarah: 16:59
An impact it's having.
Brad: 17:00
It's not an easy problem to solve.
Sarah: 17:02
But it's a problem that affects all of us.
Brad: 17:04
Everyone, not just doctors and nurses. We all have a role to play in making healthcare more sustainable and compassionate.
Sarah: 17:11
So I hope our listeners feel empowered to take action.
Brad: 17:15
Yeah. Even small things can make a difference.
Sarah: 17:17
Whether it's thanking your doctor or advocating for policy.
Brad: 17:20
Changes or just being more aware of the human beings behind your healthcare experience.
Sarah: 17:25
It's about all of us working together. Healthcare leaders, policymakers, patients, society as a whole.
Brad: 17:32
We can create a system that prioritizes well being for both those who provide care and those who receive it.
Sarah: 17:38
And technology can definitely help.
Brad: 17:40
Yeah, but it's not the only answer. It's about how we use it right.
Sarah: 17:44
And what values we bring to it.
Brad: 17:46
That'Ll determine if it really makes a difference.
Sarah: 17:48
Well said. So thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Brad: 17:50
Yeah, we hope you found it helpful and interesting.
Sarah: 17:53
Creating a better healthcare system is a journey, not a destination, and we're all in this together. That's right. Thanks everyone.
Narrator: 18:01
Thanks for tuning into the Billing Blueprint podcast. For more insights or to dive deeper dive deeper into today's topics. Head over to billflash.com. Don't forget to subscribe and we'll catch you next week with more strategies to keep your practice running smoothly and getting paid faster.
Sources:
From Healthcare Burnout to Balance: Helping Your Staff Thrive
Addressing Healthcare Staffing Shortages: The Power of Automation