Deciding whether to explore options for your provider group is one of the more difficult decisions an administrator faces with regard to the emergency department. A number of factors – both objective and subjective – can and should be considered.

The tool below serves as a guide to help in your decision-making process.

Are less than 15% of your ED shifts covered by traveler or locums providers?

Occasionally all organizations experience scheduling gaps due to a provider on maternity leave, illness, contract transition, etc. However, a high percentage of traveler and/or locums providers can bog down efficiency. Temporary providers are typically not as engaged with the local culture, workflow, and EHR systems. The use of travelers and locums providers also necessitates higher compensation payments and increased billing complications.

Are your patient experience scores meeting your expectations?

Every moment is critical when crafting the perfect patient experience. Leadership must pay close attention to quality metrics and determine what is impacting scores and any areas for improvement. Provider groups that follow specific, systematized guidelines often show better patient experience results. Check out the ApolloMD We Care Challenge to see how we approach patient experience improvements within our partner facilities.

Are your throughput metrics- including turnaround times, LWOT rates, etc. – aligned with your efficiency goals?

Throughput metrics serve as a way to track departmental efficiency and are reflected in a number of ED measures. Patient evaluation and treatment times, communication,  satisfaction and quality measures all translate into improved patient care, compliance and outcomes.

Are you satisfied with the leadership provided by your medical director, including amount of dedicated administrative vs. clinical time, process improvement initiatives, committee involvement, etc.?

An exceptional medical director is one of the most crucial components to a successful ED. Dedicated directors fully engage with their team members, nursing staffs and hospital administration, and are able to establish the right balance between both administrative and clinical duties. Just as you would look to your operational team members for managerial feedback, provider feedback should be consistent and an environment with open communication is encouraged.

If you are paying a subsidy, do you feel the amount is appropriate for the results and services provided?

This all boils down to one thing – are the services provided producing the results promised and expected at an appropriate cost? Consider the quality and value you are receiving for your subsidy versus what others could provide for the same amount or less.

If you find more of your answers are SOMETIMES or NEVER, as opposed to ALWAYS, it may be a good time to consider a change.

ApolloMD operates with a high touch, solution-based and physician-led model that has evolved to meet the changing needs of our hospital and system partners, as well as our physicians. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how ApolloMD can help make your ED one that you can ALWAYS be proud of.

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