Infotech Lead America: Due to increasing costs and technology mandates, a number of U.S. doctors are likely to leave private practice for hospital employment over the next 18 months.
According to an Accenture report, by the end of 2013, one-in-three doctors remaining independent will offer subscription-based services, such as telemedicine or online consultations, for sustaining profit.
This is new trend is expected to increase three-fold over the next three years.
The number of independent U.S. physicians has dropped to 39 percent in 2012 from 57 percent in 2000.
By the end of 2013, this number will drop to 36 percent, and is 3.6 percent lower than Accenture’s 2011 report.
The majority (87 percent) of physicians surveyed cited the cost and expense of running a business as a chief concern.
Most doctors (65 percent) joining health systems said they expect to make the same or less compensation than in private practice.
Sixty-one percent cited business operations as a main reason for seeking hospital employment rather than remaining independent.
More than half of doctors (53 percent) cited electronic medical record requirements as a main reason for leaving private practice.
“More independent physicians are offering subscription-based services as a way for patients to customize their care experience,” said Kaveh Safavi, M.D., J.D., who leads Accenture’s North America health industry. “Meanwhile, patients appreciate the opportunity to supplement their existing coverage with premium, subscription-based services, such as same-day appointments and online prescription refills.”
