Increasing physician productivity using a physician extender: a study in an outpatient group practice at the Mayo Clinic.

Physician extenders (PE) can perform some tasks usually performed by a physician. Time recouped by physicians using a PE may increase physician productivity and physician professional satisfaction. A prospective study was completed using a PE in an outpatient general medical group practice setting to reduce physician indirect patient care, such as responding to patient telephone calls, refilling prescriptions, triage, and order entry. Physicians using a PE had increased productivity relative to physicians who did not use a PE. Physician satisfaction with the PE model was excellent. A physician extender may improve physician productivity by performing indirect patient care usually performed by physicians.