Doctors choosing employment over independence

A majority of physicians believe more doctors will choose employment over independent practice in the next two to three years, according to a new study by http://ModernMedicine.com/ and McKesson.

Nearly two-thirds of the 125 physicians responding to the survey said employment will be more attractive than independent practice for the next few years. Twenty-five percent said it would depend on healthcare reform. Hospitals were listed as the most attractive employers (30%), followed by large independent practices (20%).

When asked why physicians would consider employment rather than independent practice, 85% cited rising overhead and costs. That was followed by declining reimbursements (74%) and increasingly time-consuming billing and coding (66%).

Insufficient billing and coding support and insufficient staff to support patient load were listed as the factors most detrimental to physician productivity.

The online survey was completed in February and March. Respondents were divided between primary care (60%) and specialists (38%).