Resources
May 20, 2025
Burnout Isn’t Just a Hospital Problem: What Nursing Shortages Mean for Outpatient Clinics
Shen Lu, CPO @ IrisMed

How Nursing Shortages Are Quietly Reshaping Outpatient Clinics and RCM

The post-pandemic healthcare workforce is still reeling. According to the 2024 National Workforce Study from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), nearly 40% of registered nurses are considering leaving the field within the next five years.

While the spotlight often lands on hospitals, the impact of this exodus ripples through the entire healthcare ecosystem, including outpatient clinics in optometry, physical therapy, and dental care.

Let’s break down what this means for your practice and what steps you can take now to stay ahead.

A Staff Crisis That Doesn’t Stay in Hospitals

The NCBN’s findings are stark:

  • 138,000 nurses have left the workforce in 2022.
  • Stress, burnout, low pay, and workplace violence are the top reasons for leaving.
  • Nearly 1.6 million nurses could potentially exit the field by 2029.

While hospitals often bear the brunt of these shortages, many of these nurses work in outpatient settings—including specialty clinics and ambulatory care centers. When they leave, smaller practices feel the pressure the most.

Less staff means slower workflows, increased administrative burden, and a higher risk of billing errors and burnout among the remaining team.

Why This Matters for Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)

In outpatient care, every staff member wears multiple hats. When even one person leaves, revenue cycle processes suffer:

  • Insurance verification and claim submission delays
  • Increased errors from rushed or undertrained staff
  • Longer wait times for claim follow-ups and denial appeals

These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they directly impact your cash flow, patient satisfaction, and long-term financial stability.

Temporary Stability, Long-Term Risk

The return of experienced nurses during 2023 and 2024 may have temporarily stabilized staffing levels, but that trend may not last. Many are delaying retirement rather than returning long-term. As the workforce continues to age, practices must prepare for more turnover and less available support.

What Can Clinics Do?

Here are three practical strategies for outpatient leaders:

1. Invest in Training & Retention

Create a workplace culture that supports your team. Cross-train staff on billing basics and automate time-consuming tasks like eligibility checks or claim status updates to reduce administrative fatigue.

2. Audit Your RCM Process

Now’s the time to spot weaknesses in your billing and collections process. Look for bottlenecks, track denials, and document where staff are stretched too thin.

3. Leverage Smart Automation

Automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about preserving their valuable time and energy. The less time your team spends on repetitive and time-consuming billing tasks, the more energy they can invest in patients and practice growth.

The Bottom Line

The healthcare workforce crisis isn’t confined to hospitals—and it’s not going away anytime soon. Outpatient practices that ignore the warning signs risk falling behind.

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FAQs

We've compiled some of the most common questions practices like yours ask about the IrisMed. If you don't find the answers you're looking for here, please don't hesitate to contact us – we're always happy to discuss how IrisMed can specifically benefit your practice.

Do I have to change my practice management system or software to use IrisMed?

No. IrisMed is designed to be compatible with all major practice management systems. Our software seamlessly integrates with your existing setup, requiring no disruptive changes to your current workflow. We also offer white-gloved implementation and support if needed.

How much does IrisMed cost?

IrisMed offers flexible pricing models tailored to the size and needs of your practice. Contact us for a customized quote based on your clinic’s volume and workflow requirements.

Will IrisMed replace my existing staff members?

No. IrisMed is designed to augment and empower your existing team, not replace them. By automating tedious and complex tasks around insurance and quoting, IrisMed frees up your staff to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional patient experience and growing your practice.

My practice management system already has insurance and inventory features. Why do I need IrisMed?

IrisMed acts as a specialized enhancement for your optical sales, tackling complex vision plan details in a way most general PMS insurance features don't. IrisMed instantly deciphers intricate insurance benefits for specific lenses, coatings, and frames, providing precise patient out-of-pocket costs. More importantly, it helps your team uncover often-missed sales opportunities - like premium upgrades or second-pair allowances - right at the point of sale. Think of it as the tool that ensures your dispensary maximizes optical revenue and minimizes quoting errors where your PMS's broader features might not specialize.

How secure is my data with IrisMed?

We understand the critical importance of data security and patient privacy. IrisMed employs robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption and strict access controls, to safeguard all sensitive practice and patient information. We are HIPAA compliant and committed to staying up-to-date with the latest security standards and best practices in the industry to ensure your data is always protected.

How do I get started with IrisMed?

Getting started is easy! Contact us today to schedule a personalized demo. We'll show you how IrisMed works, answer all your questions, and demonstrate how our AI-powered platform can transform your practice's revenue cycle.