New task force set to lower administrative burden on Manitoba physicians

A massive relief, and a sense of hope. That’s what Doctor’s Manitoba President Candice Bradshaw says the new task force to lower the administrative burden on physicians – announced Friday – is bringing and she expects to take a big chunk out of that work quickly.

“I’ve worked as a family physician for the last 21 years. I’ve never seen the administrative burden on physicians as heavy as it is right now,” explained Dr. Bradshaw. “Ten per cent for me feels like let’s just go higher. I think we can do better.”

The new joint task force put in place to reduce red tape for physicians is set to start working right away.

“They will set measurable goals, and work will relevant organizations to streamline or eliminate if they can,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon. “The excessive administrative burden faced by physicians. The task force will also provide guidance and recommendations on how to avoid creating excessive administrative burdens for physicians into the future.”

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The team is comprised of two co-chairs, one appointed by the Manitoba government and one by Doctors Manitoba, three physician members, a representative from the healthcare system; and a representative from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business with expertise in red tape reduction.

“CFIB estimates that doctors in Manitoba are spending 591,000 hours per year on unnecessary paperwork and administrative tasks, which is equivalent to 1.8 million patient visits per year that we’re missing out on,” explained Dr. Bradshaw.

According to the CFIB, a 10 per cent reduction in physician administrative burden in Manitoba, could see over 177,000 additional patient visits annually.

Dr. Bradshaw says physicians in Manitoba are spending an average of 11 hours a week on administrative tasks.

“Some doctors block off a whole day per week to accommodate this, other’s like myself block off a few hours a day.”

The task force says they’ll be releasing their first report this year, but Dr. Bradshaw is aiming for the soonest date possible.