To quantify the "ideal" time needed versus time allotted and time utilized for patient encounters in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinics.

Multiple sclerosis patients are time-consuming due to the complicated nature of their illness. Neurologists who see a high volume of MS patients practice in an environment where reimbursement is based primarily on office visits. This can create pressure to see more patients in less time, often at the expense of the complicated patient. There has not been a formal attempt to measure the amount of time needed to fully evaluate a new or returning MS patient. 

A survey was circulated via an Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ online community to MS specialists and general neurologists. Questions were asked regarding demographics, allotted versus actual patient visit times, and the desired "ideal" amount of time needed to see an MS patient for initial visits and return visits. Questions regarding the number of patients seen in each half day of clinic were also included.

There were 100 respondents. The majority reported seeing between 5-10 patients per half day in clinic. The average length of time allotted to see a new MS patient was 55.47 minutes and 30.91 minutes for returns. The average time spent with a new MS patient was 66.43 minutes and 35.23 minutes for returns. The average desired “ideal” amount of time spent with a new MS patient was 69.91 minutes and 36.68 minutes for returns. Several respondents left comments indicating a need for up to 90 minutes for a new MS patient.

Neurologists reported time spent exceeds time allotted for new and returning MS patients. Time spent was considered less than "ideal." Further investigation of this topic should be done and compared to other neurologic subspecialties. These findings can aid advocacy efforts to preserve the fundamentals of the doctor-patient relationship.