Physicians were able to see 18% to 22% more patients per clinic day. 3 - 5, 7, 8, 10, 11 - 14 This study compares the effect of ATCs and MAs on patient volume, charges, and collections in a university-based primary care sports medicine practice.Īn ATC as a PE increased efficiency and productivity of this sports medicine practice twofold. 3Ī PE can increase physician productivity, which may be further increased by a PE with specialized musculoskeletal training. When an ATC was removed from the clinic, there was a 15% to 30% decrease in the number of patients seen per day. 3, 10, 12, 14 ATCs have held positions at the University of Wisconsin orthopaedic department since the mid-1970s. 2, 3, 10, 12, 14 ATCs can assist with completing insurance paperwork, prescriptions, letters, and reports ordering diagnostic studies triaging phone calls and answering pre- and postoperative questions. 3, 10, 12, 14 ATCs can teach exercise programs and fit crutches, canes, braces, and orthotics. ATCs can increase the number of patients seen and patient satisfaction by performing clinical and administrative tasks, including injury assessment, wound care, suture removal, splinting, and casting. 9 They have special skills in the evaluation of musculoskeletal medicine. 3, 10, 14ĪTCs are health care providers educated in the care of the physically active to prevent, evaluate, acutely treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. 5, 7, 10, 13 More recently, primary care sports medicine physicians and orthopaedic surgeons have employed certified athletic trainers (ATCs) as PEs. 11 The role of a PE has historically been filled by physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or medical assistants (MAs). ![]() 11 Physicians were also able to open their schedule to more patients per day. A PE can perform tasks for a physician and increase the doctors’ direct patient contact time by 1 hour per day. 1, 6 Traditionally, efficiency has improved by delegating tasks to a physician extender (PE), who can perform both clinical and administrative tasks under the guidance of the attending physician. Physician workloads are increasing due to the growing physician shortage across the United States.
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