A New Year's resolution: stop the clock: this year, my New Year's resolution is simple and easy to implement. There's just too much to do each other, so I'm going to stop the clock

Healthcare Financial Management, Jan, 2004 by Richard L. Clarke

Just imagine the benefits: I'll be able to answer my e-mail and voice-mail messages before new ones arrive. I'll be able to clear my in box before new mail stacks up. I'll be able to prepare for every meeting. I'll be able to read all the material I need to stay on top of developments in the field. And I'll have all the time I need to spend with family and even--dare I hope?--to improve my golf score.

OK, so I won't be able to stop the clock. But I don't have to compromise the demands of my job or the needs of my family or my own develop merit. And I can increase the a mount of time available without a magic spell to stop the clock. Here's how.

The techniques for improved time management often involve simple adjustments to daily activities. For example, imagine how much time can be saved at work if meetings would start on time and stay on target. Likewise, meetings that do not stop on time either delay other activities or push them off the plate. Set the expectation that meetings will start and stop on time. Also set the expectation that the meeting organizer will provide an agenda for the meeting with an expected outcome for agenda items.

Consider de-cluttering your desk. I tend to accumulate papers on my desk both at home and work as the day and week progresses. By the end of the week, I must do an archeological dig to find papers at the bottom of the pile--often wasting time. Save time by attempting to handle papers only once and/or developing file folders that papers go into before they end up in the pile.

Standardizing appointments and task management also can save time. Paper-based or electronic systems abound to help keep track of appointments and tasks. These systems allow more orderly workflow, facilitate priority setting, and save time.

Finally, with your scheduling system, actually schedule private time to work on important projects, spend time with the kids, and/or provide for personal or professional development. Your professional development should include attending HFMA's continuing education programs, reading this magazine, studying and taking one of HFMA's certification exams, reading other HFMA publications, and so on. These activities save you time because the knowledge and tools you gain help you cope effectively with the volume of issues facing you every day.

You don't have to stop the clock. Just schedule time to save time.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS, CMS 2001 OUTPATIENT FILE

Category   ED Visit        2001   Distribution   Payment Rate *

99281       Level 1     919,746            10%           $73.78
99282       Level 2   2,548,727            29%           $73.78
99283       Level 3   3,223,736            36%          $131.89
99284       Level 4   1,667,391            19%          $226.39
99285       Level 5     553,638             6%          $226.39
                      8,913,238

* Payment rates reflect current APC rates for each level of service.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS, FACILITY-SPECIFIC *

Category   ED Visit     2001   Distribution   Payment Rate   Total
                                                             Revenue

99281       Level 1    6,436            15%         $73.78     $474,848
99282       Level 2   14,851            35%         $73.78   $1,095,707
99283       Level 3    8,174            19%        $131.89   $1,078,069
99284       Level 4    4,848            12%        $226.39   $1,097,539
99285       Level 5    7,745            18%        $226.39   $1,753,391
                      42,054                                 $5,499,553

* Data reflect all visits regardless of payer category.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS, FACILITY-SPECIFIC, REDISTRIBUTED

Category   ED Visit     2001   Distribution   Payment Rate   Total
                                                             Revenue

99281       Level 1   14,205            10%         $73.78     $310,274
99282       Level 2   12,196            29%         $73.78     $899,796
99283       Level 3   15,139            36%        $131.89   $1,996,741
99284       Level 4    7,990            19%        $226.39   $1,808,915
99285       Level 5    2,523             6%        $226.39     $571,236
                                                             $5,586,962