Impact of EHR Documentation on Physician Burnout
Physicians spend a significant portion of their workday on electronic health records (EHRs), contributing to burnout. A study found that for every eight hours of scheduled patient time, ambulatory physicians spend over five hours on EHR tasks, much of which is perceived as clerical burden interfering with patient care.
Source: American Medical Association
Additionally, a survey indicated that 41% of healthcare providers spend an estimated four hours a day or more on administrative tasks, including documentation, which is a leading cause of burnout.
Source: Modern Healthcare+1eClinicalWorks+1
Economic Impact of Documentation Time
While specific dollar amounts can vary, the time physicians spend on documentation significantly affects revenue potential. For instance, physicians spending nearly 6 hours daily on EHRs, including time outside clinic hours, can lead to reduced patient throughput and potential revenue loss.
Source: PMC
Moreover, the administrative burden contributes to physician burnout, which has been associated with an estimated annual loss of $4.6 billion due to decreased productivity, turnover, and reduced clinical hours.
Source: MedicalEconomics+2Becker's Hospital Review+2Becker's Hospital Review+2
