Multiple medical associations respond to a request for information on workforce shortages and solutions.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee recently published a request for information on the drivers of healthcare workforce shortages and potential solutions. The request garnered responses from several large medical associations with solutions aimed at prior authorization requirement reduction and more support in automation.
When it comes to prior authorizations, the MGMA said in its feedback that in order to address the multi-faceted causes of physician and staff burnout, Congress should examine legislative solutions to ease administrative burden and allow providers to focus on patient care, including prior authorization reform.
“MGMA urges the committee to support the next version of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act and work to reduce prior authorization requirements that MGMA members consistently say are the most burdensome they face every year,” the MGMA said in a statement sent to HealthLeaders.
Providers frequently experience staffing-related issues specific to the prior authorization process, and physicians are required to devote time and resources that should be spent on patient care, the group says.
Also speaking out is the American Hospital Association (AHA).
In its letter the AHA said “long-building structural changes within the healthcare workforce, combined with the profound toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, have left hospitals and health systems facing a national staffing emergency.”
One way to help? Better support the use of automation and artificial intelligence, the AHA said.
While automation is a mainstay in many sectors of the revenue cycle already, the clinical team can benefit as well.
“Hospitals and health systems are exploring the use of technology by automating certain kinds of clinical documentation, using artificial intelligence to help consolidate and trend large amounts of clinical information to provide insights for delivering care,” the AHA said in its letter.
While the AHA notes that technology cannot substitute for caregivers, it can enhance their ability to practice efficiently and reduce burden, it says. Because of this, Congress should consider providing support for the pilot testing of innovative technology solutions that support the healthcare workforce, the group says.
Amanda Norris is the Director of Content for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee recently published a request for information on the drivers of healthcare workforce shortages and potential solutions.
The MGMA is urging the committee to work to reduce prior authorization requirements that MGMA members consistently say are the most burdensome they face every year.
The AHA says supporting innovative technology will enhance the ability to practice efficiently and reduce burden.