There are only 24 hours in a single day.
Yet many times, you hear the comment “there aren’t enough hours in the day”
But that raises the question “what are you actually doing in those hours? More specifically in the on average 8 hours, you are physically at work?
Recently I wrote how I work in hour-long segments: 45 minutes actual work then a 15-minute break.
But how do I decide what actually goes into those 45 minutes?
The items that go into the time slots are the ones that generate maximum financial benefit for me.
Otherwise, what is the point of completing the task?
So, I simply list all the tasks I have to complete that day and then I start with the one that generates the best financial reward.
Task Number ONE.
It actually doesn’t matter what the task is. What matters is that it is the task that gives me the maximum financial reward.
For example: writing this blog won’t generate the maximum return. Invoicing a clinic list from last evening for one of my clients’ will.
In the case of a consultant surgeon, writing a blog won’t generate any income either.
Neither will the drive between hospitals.
Seeing a patient at consultation will.
Taking a patient to theatre will too.
As a consultant surgeon, you will only get paid for actually seeing a patient.
Task Number TWO.
Having a coffee or surfing the internet, won’t generate any income for me.
Speaking to an insurance company and ensuring we have the right fee will.
Watching a Youtube clip won’t.
Chasing unpaid excess from a patient will.
Repeat Indefinitely.
And thus my day continues until ALL the tasks are completed.
Note, however, they are the tasks that generate the maximum income and financial benefit for me for that is why I am in business.
Consider, alternatively, why is the consultant has a private practice?
It’s to generate an additional income by providing private medical care.
In which case why are some consultants doing ANYTHING other than seeing a patient at a consultation or performing a surgical episode?
Those tasks are the ONLY tasks they get paid the maximum for.
If they are doing other things – and some of the other things may be important – they may not potentially be making the maximum they can.
The “other” things need to be done of course.
But not before the tasks that generate the maximum financial benefit.
pete@medicalhealthcaremanagement.co.uk