William E. Karnes, MD, a gastroenterologist with the University of California, Irvine, discusses the biggest challenges and opportunities for gastroenterologists today.
Question: What are the biggest challenges you're facing today as a gastroenterologist?
Dr. William Karnes: No. 1 is excessive redundant documentation related to EHR, endowriter software and need for quality measures documentation and submission to CMS. No. 2 is reduced compensation.
Q: How has your practice changed over the past three to five years?
WK: Spending far more time documenting and less time available for patients.
Q: Where do you see your practice evolving over the next few years? What are your biggest opportunities for growth?
WK: Documentation technology must improve. I'm hoping artificial will play a role toward the goal. There is also a trend toward less time for patient care and reduced compensation [that] has me looking at alternative careers.