Q&A
Debate on reducing appointment times from 40 to 20 minutes
1:21:43
ยท
102 sec
Dr. Katz explains the decision to reduce appointment times from 40 to 20 minutes, citing the need to address long patient wait lists. Council Member Zhuang questions this approach, expressing concern about the impact on patient care.
- Dr. Katz argues that shorter appointments allow more patients to be seen, even if less comprehensively
- The discussion touches on the balance between patient access and quality of care
- Zhuang challenges whether this change is the right solution to the underlying problems
Susan Zhuang
1:21:43
Then why 40 minutes should be changed to 20 minutes?
Mitch Katz
1:21:47
Right.
1:21:48
Well, just on the last I mean, we changed it because we had all these patients waiting, and we wanted we felt that isn't it better to do what you can do in 20 minutes than to leave people on a waiting list where we're doing nothing for them.
1:22:03
So we recognize that if people have to see more patients, they won't be able to do all the things.
1:22:09
Your husband won't be able to do all of the things if he sees more patients.
1:22:13
On the other hand, is it possible that we can both help physicians like your husband with their admin work and is it helpful to, to focus on what does that new patient most need?
1:22:26
Because otherwise, if we say, well, but in 20 minutes we can't do anything, then they're just on a waiting list.
1:22:33
So they're getting 0.
1:22:34
Maybe they'll come in and they'll say, the thing I most need is and you'll address that, and then have them come back when you next have a follow-up.
1:22:44
I it's imperfect.
1:22:46
It I I I I I can't but there there is a world where people are are seeing 10 and 12, and we're not asking that.
1:22:54
We're asking for 8.
1:22:58
Could it be 6 and then we could spend more time?
1:23:01
Yes.
1:23:02
You have to decide where is your balance between access and how much you offer to that individual person.
Susan Zhuang
1:23:10
Is this access is doctor's full?
Mitch Katz
1:23:14
I'm sorry.
1:23:14
Say it again?
Susan Zhuang
1:23:15
Is this the limited because we don't have enough access to the doctor.
1:23:20
Is this doctor's full?
1:23:22
Who is responsible for that?
1:23:24
Is that the doctor?