Data Snapshot: Production Per Hour

We previously dissected Production Per Day and Production Per Visit, so this week we’re going to break it down even more and look at the average production earned for every clinical hour worked. Just like the others, you can measure this by the provider or the office as a whole, and reporting on it will help you optimize how you use your time.

Like PPV, production per hour will tell you how effectively you’re using each appointment, but with the added bonus of seeing the impact of how you’re using your schedule. Time is your most limited and expensive resource, so it’s crucial to use it wisely and have a high PPH. When you do, it means your schedule is optimized and you’re spending time on procedures that align with high value care and help you meet your revenue goals. 

This is such a valuable metric, and you can use it to make a difference right now with just a couple steps:

• Maximize how you use your schedule. Look at it and ask yourself, “Is this the best use of our time?” Think about a hygienist that produces $1000 in an eight-hour day by seeing five patients. The PPV is $200, but the PPH is only $125. Imagine the potential if all those hours were filled at $200 — it’s a micro-impact, but over time it will really add up.
• Minimize open time in the schedule. Open time is incredibly detrimental to your production, so I recommend delegating the responsibility of schedule optimization to a team member, and then using a Function Accountability Chart to hold them accountable.

 Ultimately, measuring and reporting on your PPH isn’t just about the money — it’s about thinking better about how you use your time, and making that change will make everything better.