3 Time-Saving Tips for Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care

How I Stay on Time With 15-Minute Visits (and You Can Too)

Fifteen minutes per patient. That includes check-in, the MA rooming process, me actually seeing the patient, and everything else: testing, referrals, prescribing. Sounds impossible, right?

Believe it or not, I rarely run behind and usually finish my charts before I leave the office every day. If I can do it, so can you. The key? Streamlining the process and training your medical assistant (MA) to the workflow. I even created a guide for my MA, and she loves it.

Here are my top tips:

Tip #1: Prepare the Day Before

I look at my schedule the night before so I know what’s coming. For chronic care follow-ups, I review labs and the last plan.

Example: For my diabetic patients, I check:

• Most recent A1c

• Any changes made at the last visit

• Whether they’re due for a foot exam or fundoscopy

If a patient is new, I scan their relevant medical history so I’m not starting blind.

Tip #2: Keep a Clean Problem List

A well-maintained problem list saves time.

• Keep all active conditions listed (HTN, DM type 2, hyperlipidemia).

• Add notes if they follow a specialist.

  • Example: “A-fib — managed by cardiology.”

At a glance, I can see what’s on my radar without digging through pages of notes.

Tip #3: Set Boundaries With the Visit Agenda

Don’t be afraid to guide the visit. Patients often come in with a long list, but you only have 15 minutes.

I’ll say something like:

“I want to make sure we thoroughly address your concerns, so let’s focus on your top two or three today and start there.”

If they’re here for a follow-up but suddenly request a strep swab, I’ll switch that to an acute visit and ask them to reschedule for chronic care follow-up. You’re in control of the schedule — the key is to do it kindly and respectfully.

A Gentle Reminder

Primary care for nurse practitioners is A LOT. It’s busy, stressful, and sometimes feels like a revolving door of patients. Everyone feels overwhelmed at one point or another. Give yourself some grace.

And if you’re struggling with time management, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I have an entire session dedicated to resources and processes that we can tailor to your setting and preferences.

👉 Want more strategies like this? Check out my Mentorship Program  where I share practical tools, workflows, and real-world solutions to help you feel confident and supported in primary care.