As we step into the New Year, the promise of fresh opportunities and challenges awaits. For many surgeons, managing a busy clinical practice with Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) work can seem like a difficult task. With strategic planning and efficiency, the practices will complement each other.
Prioritize and Plan
Are there any inefficient blocks of time in your week? Perhaps a Friday afternoon when clinic doesn’t usually fill? Divide your practice into morning and afternoon blocks of time and see where efficiency can be improved. Would you be willing to dedicate one Saturday every other month? Or can you move a slow clinic to another day and block off an entire day each week for evaluations? Each QME office listed needs to be scheduled about once a quarter, so many surgeons are able to find time for a QME practice.
Embrace Technology
Incorporate technology to streamline your workflows. Digital calendars facilitate complex schedules. Templated reports and transcription software can expedite report writing, saving valuable time.
Efficient Transitions
QME work is often seen as a lower stress day of work relative to clinical practice, and moving from one to the other is a welcome transition. Develop a routine that helps you mentally switch gears, ensuring you bring your best self to each role. Having a management company with the necessary support staff and that can take care of the administrative work on your behalf is a game changer.
Embrace Learning Opportunities
Staying updated on QME practices and regulations is mandatory and benefits your practice, making the work easier with time. The DWC and various Orthopaedic and Legal organizations offer QME credits throughout the year at annual meetings and conferences.
Integrating QME work into your busy clinical practice requires organization but falls into a simple rhythm when well planned. With a strategic approach and the right management company, you can navigate these roles seamlessly, ensuring that you achieve the financial freedom you’ve been looking for. Here’s to a successful New Year of thriving in both your clinical and QME endeavors!