Physicians routinely record blood pressure and A1c levels, yet they often leave the patient’s grasp of the treatment plan untested, a gap that can lead to mislabeled non‑compliance and higher costs.
Why the final moments of a visit matter
In a recent Five Minute Practice Fix segment, Neil Baum, M.D. highlighted the importance of the last 30 seconds of a consultation. He argues that this brief window offers the chance to shift from assumed to verified understanding without adding staff, extending the appointment or creating a new billing code.
Baum suggests a single question: “Can you tell me in your own words what we decided today?” The response, he notes, reveals whether the patient truly comprehended the instructions. If the answer is vague, the clinician can clarify on the spot, avoiding later confusion.
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He points out that most practices already have the time needed; the challenge is habit. By incorporating the question into the routine, doctors can catch gaps before the patient leaves the exam room.
Practical steps for immediate implementation
The video series accompanying the segment runs 5 to 10 minutes, offering a concise guide for busy clinicians. The approach does not rely on additional technology or paperwork. Instead, it leverages a conversational technique that can be adopted during any visit.
Key actions include: pause after delivering the plan, ask the patient to repeat it, and listen for omissions or misunderstandings. If the patient’s summary is incomplete, the physician revisits the points until clarity is achieved. This method is designed to be repeatable across specialties, from primary care to urology.
About the expert behind the advice
Neil Baum serves as a professor of clinical urology at Tulane Medical School. He has authored more than ten books on practice management, including a best‑selling guide on marketing medical practices that has sold over 175,000 copies. His columns have appeared in publications such as American Medical News and Urology Times for decades.
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His career blends clinical work with business insight, a combination he brings to the Five Minute Practice Fix series. The videos aim to deliver evidence‑based tips that have been tested in his own practice or adopted by colleagues.
While the technique is straightforward, its success depends on consistent use. Physicians who adopt the question may find that the habit reinforces a culture of clear communication, potentially easing the administrative burden of addressing misunderstandings later.
Clarity saves time.
