Not trying to set off the workforce anxiety train, but that doesn’t really apply here though. Adaptive adds considerable NEW time so an APRT can partially offset this, not fully.
Remember that in current state there are no adaptive codes, so this literally is largely non reimbursed physician time. Shifting it to qualified staff is win win so the radonc can see new patients. It’s sort of like saying a brachy doc should personally sterilize everything they use to not reduce work for the doc.
We are recruiting for 2 more positions so volume is great here. 2030 is right around the corner so perhaps this largely applies outside the Midwest where I have seen so many jobs open since I moved to Ohio. I think most docs would rather be well supported and busy doing what they enjoy then seeing fewer patients with minimal support.
Perhaps another way to look at it…Should residency slots close if people use scribes? Or Dragon to dictate? Or places that use AI powered clinic note writers? Just trying to follow the logic. There are so many better reasons to close slots (ie lack good comprehensive training…residency is to train in everything so you can bring the latest to your practice) other than supporting your physicians and residents to focus on their value add.
Perhaps I am crazy 🤪 I have tried since med school to improve efficiency and get closer to doctoring and less scut.
Again, not challenging workforces stats. Simply saying providing physicians with support to do their jobs is not a bad thing. This is very different from having APPs run a fully independent clinic and sign RT plans and see OTVs all on their own.