Streamlining Paperwork: Aruna Venkatesh, MD

Aruna Venkatesh, MD, an endocrinologist in San Antonio, says physicians deal with a lot of paperwork including documentation and electronic health records, often beyond their work hours. This leaves them exhausted and reduces the time they spend with patients. “Since the onset of electronic medical records, physicians spend 27% of their total time with patients and 49% of their time on electronic medical record and desk work. In addition, they spend at least one to two hours [on paperwork] after work,” she said in a conversation with TMA president Jay Shah, MD, in a new episode of the Let Doctors be Doctors podcast. In the podcast, she discusses ways to help physicians avoid and manage burnout from paperwork. She is also working with organizations like the Texas Medical Association and the American Medical Association to ensure physicians are paid for time spent on after-hours documentation. Notice By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that the entire contents and design of this Podcast are the property of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), or used by TMA with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast, whether in whole or in part, may be made without the prior written permission of the TMA, which may be requested by emailing [email protected] or by calling 512-370-1300. Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge and agree that TMA makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast.  I also acknowledge and agree to the following: The content in this Podcast is for general information only and any reliance on any content, including any information, opinions, or recommendations provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast does not constitute and should not be considered professional advice, and listeners should consult appropriate professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs. Any information, opinions, or recommendations contained in this Podcast should NOT be considered medical, business, investment, retirement, financial, or legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this Podcast substitutes for the advice of an attorney or relevant professional. No content in this presentation may be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any entity, product, service, business model, or investment-related option and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement.* This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. The views and opinions expressed by the host or guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of TMA or the host’s or guest’s employer. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of TMA . TMA assumes no responsibility or liability for the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, TMA makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. TMA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.  *Note, however, that Texas Medical Liability Trust and Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust are endorsed by the Texas Medical Association.