Working smarter, not harder

A couple of weeks ago I asked readers whether they thought about work during time off. Their answers ranged from “what time off?” and “I not only think about work during time away, I also do it” (which made up the majority of reader replies) to “No—when I’m out of the office, I’m not thinking about work.” However, nearly all of the responders also mentioned that their workload is as heavy as they’ve ever seen it.

I thought about this as I read the about the study in HealthAffairs that found the administrative costs of healthcare are rising, and already account for a higher percentage of healthcare spending in the U.S. than in eight other industrialized nations. What’s going on here? We’re all told to work smarter, not harder—but clearly many MSPs are working harder. Processes that streamline credentialing and privileging tasks are necessary, and the proposed Physician Interstate Medical Licensure Compact could do just that.

Are ways to work “smarter” coming to your department? Tell me and I’ll pass them along.

Thanks for reading!

Mary Stevens, managing editor, Credentialing Resource Center