How much administrative work are B.C. doctors spending time on?

Doctors in B.C. are spending nearly 10 hours a week on administrative work, contributing to a total of three million hours annually across the province.

What are the main causes of administrative burden for B.C. doctors?

The administrative burden stems from fragmented electronic medical record systems, outdated technologies like fax machines, and extensive insurance paperwork.

What solutions are being proposed to reduce red tape for B.C. doctors?

Proposed solutions include simplifying insurance processes, reassigning tasks to other health professionals, and integrating AI tools to save doctors time.

Home / Health / B.C. Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Care Delayed

B.C. Doctors Drowning in Paperwork: Care Delayed

27 Jan

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Summary

Doctors spend nearly 10 hours weekly on administrative tasks.
Outdated systems and fax machines delay diagnoses and treatments.
Eliminating paperwork could free up over 1,400 full-time doctors.

Family doctors in British Columbia are advocating for the provincial government to streamline digital processes and reduce bureaucratic burdens. A recent national study highlights that doctors across B.C. collectively dedicate three million hours annually to administrative duties.

On average, physicians in B.C. spend close to 10 hours each week managing paperwork, according to the report. This significant time investment is attributed to fragmented electronic medical record systems and outdated technologies like fax machines, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments as requisitions are lost.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Canadian Medical Association's report suggests that addressing this 'red tape' could liberate over 1,400 full-time doctors. Proposed solutions include simplifying insurance processes, reassigning some tasks to other health professionals, and integrating AI tools, which could save doctors approximately 64 minutes daily.