How can overscheduling put patients’ health at risk?

Both primary care physicians and specialists often have to see a staggering number of patients over the course of any given week. Practices commonly put an emphasis on treating as many patients as possible, and that operating method can hinder providers’ ability to give people the appropriate level of attention and care.

Unsurprisingly, over-packed schedules can drastically diminish the quality of treatment that people receive while also increasing the likelihood of mistakes and oversights. Here are examples of how the custom of overburdening providers can negatively affect patients’ health or even contribute to medical malpractice.

Failure to diagnose

Physicians with a very limited amount of time to meet with patients may be having to rush through examinations. They may not fully respond to serious concerns that a patient raises, ask key questions, or order necessary lab work. As a result, physicians may be failing to make important diagnoses.

Medication errors

Overscheduled physicians may not have enough time to thoroughly review medication information with patients. Also, simple keystroke errors while hurriedly creating electronic prescriptions can easily lead to errors. Failing to catch an interaction with a drug that a patient is currently taking or prescribing the wrong amount of medication could cause significant harm.

The work that medical professionals do may seem awe-inspiring, but it is important to recognize there are reasonable limitations to what they can accomplish within a given timeframe. In order to support medical professionals and protect patients’ health, practices must give providers the time and resources that they need to serve their patients effectively.