Dr. Helfgott warns that physicians’ happiness could wane if the non-medical complications of healthcare continue to be obstacles. As evidence of rheumatologists’ frustration, 68% of those surveyed said bureaucratic tasks, such as paperwork, have contributed the most to burnout.
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Example: Dr. Helfgott says fighting with insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers can be frustrating, especially when prescriptions for TNF inhibitors and other biologics require pre-approval. Compare rheumatologists with oncologists, Dr. Helfgott says. When it comes to cancer therapy, most insurance plans will approve the request, whereas rheumatologists face a greater struggle to gain approval for drugs to treat autoimmune disorders.
“A lot of this happiness will be predicated on … something out of our control,” Dr. Helfgott says. “These can be fleeting circumstances if we don’t work hard with the ACR to push back on some of the onerous tasks that wear people down. Even though we may be the happiest people, at some point, even a happy person may throw in the towel if they feel like all they do all day is fight for prior authorizations.”
Learn how you can help the ACR advocate for the interests of rheumatologists and our patients by visiting the ACR website.
Richard Quinn is a freelance writer in New Jersey.
References
- Martin KL.Medscape physician lifestyle and happiness report 2019. Medscape. 2019 Jan 9.
- Peckham C. Medscape physician lifestyle and happiness report 2018. Medscape. 2018 Jan 10.
- Kane L. Medscape physician compensation report 2018. Medscape. 2018 Apr 11.