LAUSR

Abstract In the current healthcare environment, pressure on physician time is greater than ever. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations require that hospitals that receive physician remuneration costs complete time study analyses to support the allocation of physician time for cost reporting purposes. Physicians' administrative, research, and teaching activities are typically recorded 1 week per month or 2 weeks per quarter using paper booklets. This paper describes the creation of a novel online application (accessible via desktop PC, and Apple iPad®, and iPhone®) and our early experience with its use. A survey of our physicians (n = 1440) showed a high level of satisfaction with the physician time study (PTS) application. One-fifth of the physicians responded to the survey, and, of those, 83% indicated that the application is easy to use, and 76% indicated an overall preference over the paper booklet. We estimate $24 000 savings in printing and booklet distribution costs and another $30 000 savings in administrative management time annually. Also, we anticipate that more accurately capturing PTS data and complying with Medicare guidelines will positively impact our Medicare reimbursement. We recommend this system to others who similarly seek a more efficient way to provide this CMS-mandated information.