Do's and don'ts for increasing efficiency

As we move through the post-COVID-19 era, it's safe to assume that many practices will see patient volume decrease. We will learn a lot more in the future, but patient volume is a factor that is negatively affecting production in the present. The good news is that specific systems-based strategies can improve patient volume, even if it will still be lower for a while.

Combine multiple services into one patient appointment. If multiple treatments can happen during one appointment, this will help increase efficiency. An additional benefit is that longer appointments tend to be less stressful and fatiguing for the doctor. To further decrease stress and fatigue, we also recommend that more complex procedures be scheduled in the morning while the doctor and staff are fresh. If this can all be accomplished, it will go a long way toward increasing efficiency and lowering stress.

Don't forget to conduct a procedural time study. A procedural time study often shows many practices that thought they were highly efficient how they can reduce many patient visits by 10 minutes or more. During COVID-19, the procedural time study may only show how you can save five minutes per hour. But keep in mind this still adds up to one year for every 12 years equivalent of doctor production time.

Dr. Roger P. Levin is the CEO of Levin Group, a leading dental management consulting firm, and one of the most sought-after speakers in dentistry. Levin has authored 65 books and more than 4,000 articles on dental practice management and marketing. You can sign up for the Levin Group Tip of the Day.

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