More than 8,700 physicians—including more than 240 radiologists—participated in a new Merritt Hawkins survey on the practice patterns and opinions of healthcare providers throughout the U.S. The survey, conducted on behalf of the Physicians Foundation, also included thousands of written comments.
These are three key takeaways from the survey’s findings:
1. 78 percent of physicians experience feelings of burnout
This statistic confirms that a majority of physicians experience burnout, which has long been known to be especially high among radiologists.
In addition, the survey found that 55.3 percent of respondents said their professional morale and “feelings about the current state of the medical profession” could be described as “somewhat or very negative.” This is slightly up from 53.9 percent in 2016, but down from a whopping 68.2 percent in 2012.
“The perceptions of thousands of physicians in the Physicians Foundation’s latest survey reflect front-line observations of our healthcare system and its impact on all of us, and it’s sobering,” Gary Price, MD, president of the Physicians Foundation, said in a prepared statement. “Their responses provide important insights into many critical issues. The career plans and practice pattern trends revealed in this survey—some of which are a result of burnout—will likely have a significant effect on our physician workforce, and ultimately, everyone’s access to care.”
2. 31 percent of physicians identify as independent practice owners or partners
This is down from 33 percent in 2016 and 48.5 percent in 2012. As many imaging leaders have already experienced firsthand, private radiology practices—studied each year in the Radiology Business Radiology 100 rankings—have been hit hard by mergers and acquisitions in recent years. As that trend continues to impact healthcare across the board, what does this mean for physicians? What does it mean for patient care?
3. 18.5 percent of physicians practice telemedicine
On average, physicians who practice telemedicine say it is how more than 10 percent of their patient encounters occur.
“The evolution of telehealth consequently follows closely the advent and rapid advancement of electronic communication and now can be accomplished by standard telephone, mobile devices, television and computer screens,” according to the survey. “Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers reimburse physicians for telemedicine services based on a variety of parameters that are expected to expand.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.