Navigating Burnout: Therapy for Physicians Amid Budget Cuts
CMS is proposing a 2.8% cut. This will affect many physicians who provide services to Medicare and Medicaid patients, which is many. For many physicians, and their employers who accept Medicare and Medicaid, they may be required to do more work in 2025 than they did in 2024 to receive the exact same amount of compensation. In many cases, this means that they will have to see more patients in a shorter amount of time just to break even. How is this right? How is this even a thing?
Think about this: for those physicians in the primary care setting, many see four patients per hour. Adding 2% on top means a physician will need to see another ~1 patient every other day. Many patients are already in 10-15 minute slots to meet this need and you need to put another patient in just to break even. That means a patient is getting less than a 15-minute appointment. Tell me that you’re providing top-tier care in less than a 15-minute appointment, across all appointment types whether initial, annual, or sick visits. We all know that isn’t happening. This is one of the reasons why many physicians are no longer accepting new patients who have Medicare and Medicaid.
So what are you supposed to do about it? Well, I can tell you that if you’re in that type of environment, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be facing burnout.
The Pressure Cooker of Modern Medicine
The modern healthcare environment is increasingly becoming a pressure cooker. The demands placed on physicians are increasing, yet the resources and time to meet these demands are dwindling. HELLO STAFFING!!! These proposed budget cuts by CMS are another layer of pressure, adding to the already overwhelming workloads and emotional strain.
Physicians are dedicating their lives to caring for others. However, this dedication comes at a cost. Long hours, high patient volumes, and the constant pressure to meet these metrics can lead to significant stress, and if left unchecked, burnout. Burnout traditionally is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of efficacy. It not only affects the physician’s quality of care for their patients, it really starts to destroy the joy and happiness in life.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
Being able to recognize that you are burnt out can be tough when you are living it. It’s hard to take a step back and look at the situation clearly. Here are the common symptoms.
Emotional exhaustion: There is a sense of dread about work. You can have the Sunday Blues. You feel drained and don’t really care about anything. People can also lash out at others for no reason at all.
Depersonalization: You develop a cynical attitude towards patients and may feel detached. You may see patients just as another number instead of a person who needs your medical attention. You just don’t care about your patients.
Reduced sense of efficacy: You feel like your work doesn’t matter or isn’t making a difference.
For physicians, being burnout will 100% impact your ability to provide compassionate and effective care.
The Role of Therapy for Physicians
One effective way to combat burnout is through therapy. Therapy for physicians offers a confidential space to discuss the unique challenges and pressures they face. It provides tools and strategies to manage stress, change the mindset, build resilience, psychoeducation, and gain clarity and understanding to create a healthy work-life balance.
Therapy can help physicians in several ways:
Stress Management: Learning techniques to manage and reduce stress can significantly improve overall mental health. Coping skills such as mindfulness practices can be extremely effective to manage stress.
Emotional Support: Having professional emotional support is next level. It’s 100% different from receiving support from a friend or family member. Therapists are highly trained. In addition, having space to express and process emotions can alleviate the burden of carrying them alone. Therapy can be incredibly healing.
Clarity on Burnout: Gaining an understanding of what burnout is, how it happens, and how to make changes. Burnout isn’t 100% your fault. Burnout is a combination of individual characteristics and environmental factors.
Building Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Therapy can help physicians develop resilience by creating a positive mindset, building coping skills and tools, and encouraging self-care practices.
Finding the Right Therapist
Finding a therapist who understand the unique challenges faced by physicians is essential. Look for a therapist with experience in working with healthcare professionals. They should have a deep understanding of the medical field and the specific issues associated with it.
Consider the following when searching for a therapist:
Experience: Choose a therapist who has experience working with physicians or other healthcare professionals. Choose a therapist who has experience providing treatment for those that experience burnout.
Fit: Choose a therapist who you feel comfortable talking with. You need to be able to feel safe while talking about difficult topics.
Availability: Look, physicians have a demanding schedule so finding a therapist with flexible hours can make a significant difference. Know that therapy is a commitment.
The proposed budget cuts by CMS are a stark reminder of the ever-increasing pressures faced by physicians today. While many of these factors may not be in your control, how you respond to them is within your power. Therapy for physicians offers a pathway to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t wait until the pressures become overwhelming- take the first step towards better mental health.
Taking the First Step
If you’re a physician feeling the strain of the increasing demands and pressures in your profession, know that you’re not alone. Seeking therapy is a step toward preserving your mental health. It’s an investment in yourself that can lead to better patient care, a more fulfilling career, and happiness in your life.
Reach out for Therapy for Physicians
Chris Rabanera specializes in providing therapy for physicians, offering a confidential space to discuss the unique challenges of the medical profession. With experience in working with healthcare professionals, Chris can help you manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain a fulfilling career. Take the first step toward better mental health and well-being today with a free 15-minute consultation. Chris provides online therapy in California, online therapy in Michigan, online therapy in Nebraska, online therapy in Las Vegas, and online therapy in Utah.
