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Some doctor’s offices are charging patients for administrative tasks: Here’s why
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Physicians are facing increasing demands for administrative tasks that are taking more time away from patient care. They say it’s also hurting their bottom line.
Some are now charging for services like answering patient emails asking for medical advice or filling out extra paperwork to compensate for their time and recoup costs lost from in-person visits, medical experts tell FOX Business.
Typically, doctors charge what’s known as a concierge fee for the privilege of accessing medical care in this way, Robert Pearl, a Stanford University professor and former CEO of Permanente Medical Group, told FOX Business.
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It’s a practice that’s “becoming very frequent” as patients avoid office appointments for fear of high out-of-pocket costs, Pearl said. In 2024, researchers at PwC estimate that health care costs will rise 7%, which is higher than the projected medical cost trends in the past two years.
Some doctors are struggling to balance administrative tasks with patient care. (Rolf Vennenbernd / picture alliance / File / Getty Images)
“You find yourself saying, ‘Oh my gosh, if I see the doctor, I got to pay $300, $400, $500. I can’t afford that. Let me send an email,'” Pearl said.
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Typically, doctors end up sending back detailed emails with medical advice. In many cases, there are even several back-and-forth messages between the patient and the physician.
“Ultimately, the economics are driving a change that’s basically sapping more and more of the doctor’s time,” he said.
However, the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) is concerned that doing so will make it that much harder for certain patients to get care.
NPAF spokesperson Caitlin Donovan noted concerns that when offices begin charging patients even small amounts of money “they are less likely to follow through on their appointments and get the treatments they need.”
“There’s going to ultimately be people who say, ‘I’m not going to reach out to my doctor because I don’t want to get charged for this,'” she added.
These administrative tasks are adding to the burnout that’s hit the health care industry since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.
New York City-based emergency room physician Dr. Robert Glatter told FOX Business that burnout is “one of the main reasons behind the impetus to charge patients an administrative fee to complete such tasks that go beyond direct patient care.”
Administrative tasks are adding to the burnout that’s hit the health care industry since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. (Harald Tittel / picture alliance / File / Getty Images)
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), data shows that nearly 63% of physicians reported signs of burnout like emotional exhaustion and depersonalization at least once per week.
The AMA noted that “administrative burdens” are one of many factors contributing to the issue.
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In October, AMA President Jesse Ehrenfeld said that on average, physicians spend about two hours on paperwork for every hour they spend with patients.
The American Medical Association president says that physicians on average spend about two hours on paperwork for every hour they spend with patients. (Creative Touch Imaging Ltd. / NurPhoto / File / Getty Images)
“They don’t have enough time to do the job they’re required to do,” Pearl continued. “And this is an opportunity to say, ‘OK, well, if I have to fill out all these forms, I better charge for them, because if I don’t charge for them, I have even less time with my family or to do the activities that I needed in my particular life.'”
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While Donovan agrees doctors should be paid for the services they provide, “at a certain point, when absolutely every single thing is getting nitpicked… we don’t want the practice of medicine to turn into flying on a low-budget airline.”
Donovan said that one of the issues with this practice is that doctors and administrators often claim that they only charge for diagnostic services. She said patients have been billed for preventative services that should not incur charges.
“We want there to be trust between the patient and the provider going both ways because that means that there’s going to be better outcomes,” she added.
Glatter noted that the decision to charge “should be carefully considered” in the context of how they provide care “since virtual care is now a major aspect of the evolving landscape and paradigm of patient care models.”
Both Pearl and Glatter said the solution to this growing problem could be artificial intelligence.
On the other hand, Donovan said that a doctor can reply to a patient and tell them to come into the office.
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As we look ahead to 2024, many homeowners and prospective buyers are wondering what to expect when it comes to mortgage rates. The landscape of the housing market is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay informed about trends and predictions. In this blog post, we will discuss some factors that could impact mortgage rates in 2024 and what homeowners and buyers can expect.
One factor that could impact mortgage rates in 2024 is the overall state of the economy. If the economy is strong and growing, we may see higher mortgage rates as the Federal Reserve looks to combat inflation. On the other hand, if the economy is stagnant or in a recession, we may see lower mortgage rates as the Fed looks to stimulate growth. It’s important to keep an eye on economic indicators such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation to get a sense of where mortgage rates may be heading.
Another factor that could impact mortgage rates in 2024 is Federal Reserve policy. The Fed plays a key role in setting interest rates, and their decisions can have a ripple effect on mortgage rates. If the Fed decides to raise interest rates in response to inflation, we may see an increase in mortgage rates. Conversely, if the Fed decides to lower interest rates to stimulate growth, we may see a decrease in mortgage rates. Keeping up with the latest news and announcements from the Fed can give homeowners and buyers a sense of where mortgage rates may be heading.
In terms of specific cities and local mortgage companies, it’s important to note that mortgage rates can vary depending on location and lender. For example, in a city like New York City, where real estate prices are high, mortgage rates may be higher compared to a city like Indianapolis, where real estate prices are lower. Additionally, local mortgage companies may offer competitive rates and terms compared to national lenders. For example, in New York City, local lenders like Quontic Bank and CrossCountry Mortgage may offer specialized products and services tailored to the needs of local buyers.
It’s important for homeowners and buyers to shop around and compare rates from multiple lenders to ensure they are getting the best deal. Websites like Bankrate and LendingTree can be helpful resources for comparing rates and terms from multiple lenders. Homeowners and buyers should also consider working with a mortgage broker who can help them navigate the lending process and find the best mortgage product for their needs.
In conclusion, predicting mortgage rates in 2024 is not an exact science, but there are several factors that could impact rates. By staying informed about economic indicators, Federal Reserve policy, and local market trends, homeowners and buyers can make informed decisions about their mortgage. Shopping around and comparing rates from multiple lenders is key to ensuring you are getting the best deal on your mortgage. Whether you’re looking to refinance your existing mortgage or buy a new home, it’s important to stay informed and be proactive in managing your mortgage.
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