In this episode of Under Your Skin, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, gets to know David Pariser, MD, a practicing dermatologist for over 40 years and the senior physician at Pariser Dermatology Specialists. They discuss a valuable tip for improving practice efficiency, Innovations on the horizon for dermatology, and the diverse appeal of the specialty. 

A strategic addition to the workflow to improve efficiency 

Dr Pariser has significantly improved his efficiency by incorporating medical scribes into his workflow. These scribes accompany the practitioner into the treatment room for each patient visit. While the doctor engages with the patient, the scribe diligently documents the encounter using macros, ensuring that the note is often completed by the time the doctor leaves the room. This system allows the doctor to electronically sign off on the note, send prescriptions immediately, and complete billing processes before the patient exits the office. 

This approach has been transformative, enabling Dr Pariser to see more patients without compromising the quality of care. With an EHR system, it typically takes about 3 minutes to document a patient’s chart. For a dermatologist seeing 30 patients, that adds up to 1.5 hours of charting. By utilizing scribes, this time can be redirected towards seeing additional patients, easily offsetting the cost of hiring a scribe and enhancing overall practice efficiency. 

Outlook on the future of dermatology 

Dr Pariser is particularly enthusiastic about the advancements in personalized medicine. Precision diagnostic testing and testing to help identify the most effective medications for individual patients, represents the future of dermatologic care. This approach promises to tailor treatments to each patient's unique needs, enhancing outcomes and optimizing therapeutic strategies. 

The unique rewards of dermatology 

Dr Pariser's passion for dermatology stems from its diverse and dynamic nature. Dermatology is a "cradle-to-grave" specialty, encompassing surgery, pathology, cosmetics, pediatrics, and adult care. Dermatologists manage a wide spectrum of medical and surgical conditions, ensuring that every day is different and every patient encounter is unique.