Maximizing Clinic Visit Efficiency w/ Healthcare Entrepreneur Dr. David Canes (Ep. 45)

Reclaiming Physician Efficiency: A Path to Better Patient Care

In modern medical practice, a consistent pain point for physicians is the overwhelming inefficiency that often characterizes patient visits. This inefficiency stems from the need to repeatedly explain basic concepts to each patient—a task that could easily be offloaded. For years, the idea of controlling patient information flow seemed far-fetched, but today, it’s not only possible, it’s necessary to improve both patient experience and physician satisfaction.

The Burnout Crisis and Loss of Passion

Physician burnout is a growing problem that stems largely from the demands of a system that interrupts valuable face-to-face time with patients. Documentation, billing, and a cascade of administrative duties leave many doctors exhausted, distanced from the patient interactions that originally inspired them to enter the field. While most physicians find meaning in those personal moments with patients—where they listen, advise, and build trust—these interactions often feel compromised by the endless need to re-explain the basics.

For instance, Dr. David Kes, a urologist, recognized that his time explaining fundamental concepts about prostate cancer could be better spent discussing specific patient details. “The conversation I want to have is about your MRI, your biopsy—things unique to you,” he realized. Yet time constraints forced him into an almost rote delivery of the same introductory content during each visit, leading to frustration and disillusionment.

Transforming Patient Education with Pre-Visit Preparation

What if patients came to their appointments already equipped with knowledge about their condition? Rather than spending time delivering "Anatomy 101," physicians could focus on personalized care. This was the insight behind Dr. Kes's platform, Well Prepped, a content delivery system designed to prepare patients before their appointments by providing tailored educational materials.

This shift reclaims valuable time during consultations, allowing doctors to dive into specific medical plans and answer personalized questions. It's not about bypassing the relationship-building process but deepening it. Patients who come equipped with foundational knowledge are better positioned to engage in meaningful dialogue about their care. They enter the consultation with context and understanding, and as a result, conversations become more productive.

Early Patient Engagement: A Game Changer

The traditional medical model sees the patient visit beginning only when they walk through the clinic doors. Well Prepped challenges this notion by initiating the doctor-patient relationship the moment an appointment is scheduled. Pre-visit resources, such as videos, podcasts, PDFs, and personalized educational guides, are sent directly to patients via HIPAA-compliant emails and text messages. Patients review trusted materials—specific to their condition and curated by their doctor—before arriving, priming them for a more targeted, efficient conversation.

For example, a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer might receive materials that explain the Gleason score, staging, and treatment options. Instead of starting from zero, the patient comes to their appointment informed and with a list of pointed questions. As Dr. Kes describes, this can transform what was once a “monologue” into a dialogue, leading to a more satisfying experience for both parties.

Results: Better Care, Better Outcomes

Since its launch, Well Prepped has gained traction, with hundreds of doctors using it across various specialties. Early feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. According to survey data, 97% of patients feel they better understand their condition after reviewing the resources provided, and 82% report feeling less stressed prior to their visit. Importantly, 95% are more likely to recommend the doctor to others—showing how preparedness boosts patient satisfaction and trust.

Doctors also report significant benefits. Instead of rehashing basic information, they can focus on complex, individualized care. Moreover, support staff such as nurses and physician assistants benefit from fewer repetitive inquiries. Offices can create customized materials for frequently asked questions, from catheter care to post-surgery recovery instructions, further reducing patient anxiety and increasing operational efficiency.

The Future of Patient-Doctor Interaction

The pre-visit educational model can revolutionize healthcare, not just for surgeons but across all medical fields. It allows doctors to truly leverage their expertise during the precious time they have with patients. This approach may help address one of the key factors contributing to physician burnout—the sense that their most valuable skillset is being underutilized.

As Dr. Kes points out, "We now have technology that can help remove things that clutter the patient visit and make it about what matters most—the patient and their specific needs." This focus on improving the quality, not just the quantity, of time spent with patients is a crucial step toward reducing burnout and enhancing the joy of practicing medicine.

Technology: A Tool for Empowerment, Not Replacement

The skepticism surrounding the use of technology in patient care is often rooted in the fear that it depersonalizes the doctor-patient relationship. However, Well Prepped demonstrates the opposite. By offloading repetitive explanations and providing vetted, trusted resources ahead of time, technology can actually enhance the personal connection. This pre-education not only empowers patients to make informed decisions but also deepens their trust in the physician, as they perceive the doctor to be organized, thoughtful, and respectful of their time.

This shift reflects a growing awareness in the medical community that patient care begins long before the clinic visit. As doctors increasingly adopt tools like Well Prepped, the future of patient interaction will be one where information is accessible, communication is streamlined, and both doctors and patients leave appointments feeling more fulfilled.