Cardiology clinic benefits from using scribes – increased revenue, better interaction and greater productivity

A 2013 study found using scribes in a cardiology clinic is feasible. Using scribes was found to improve physician–patient interaction, increase physician productivity as well as increase cardiovascular revenue.

The prospective controlled study compared standard visits (20 minute follow-up and 40 minute new patient) to a scribe system (15 minute follow-up and 30 minute new patient) in a cardiology clinic. Physician productivity, patient satisfaction, physician–patient interaction, and revenue were measured.

There was a 59% increase in the amount of patients seen per hour. Subjective assessment of physician–patient interaction was higher (P < 0.01) on scribe visits (9.1 ± 0.9 versus 7.9 ± 1.1) while $205,740 additional revenue was seen to be generated from the 81 additional patients attended to with scribes.

For the full details of the cardiology clinic study, see ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research journal.