I know most of us are only accustomed to hearing reports of extended wait times to see physicians come from other nations, so findings revealing long (I mean loooong) wait times here in the U.S. may come as a shock to you.
In a recent report on BenefitNews.com, Associate Editor Lydell Bridgeford reveals that, according to a new survey, for some patients, seeing a medical specialist can mean waiting more than two months.
Merritt Hawkins and Associates, a physician search and consulting firm, conducted a survey of 1,162 medical offices to track the average time needed to schedule a doctor appointment in 15 large metropolitan areas. The firm focused on medical specialties, such as cardiology, dermatology, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedic surgery and family practice.
For example, Boston had the longest average doctor appointment wait times: 70 days to see an obstetrician/gynecologist, 63 days to see a family physician, 54 days to see a dermatologist, 40 days to see an orthopedic surgeon, and 21 days to see a cardiologist.
Next on the list were Philadelphia and Los Angeles, with average doctor appointment wait times exceeding 45 days in some specialties, followed by Houston, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Minneapolis, Dallas, Miami, New York, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Detroit and Atlanta.
Overall, wait times tracked in the survey varied from one day to one year. “Due to the doctor shortage, finding an available physician can be challenging today, even in large urban areas where most doctors practice,” explains Mark Smith, president of Merritt Hawkins and Associates.
Smith believes if access to health care is expanded through a national reform plan, then seeing physicians in a timely manner would be even more problematic for many patients nationwide.
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health care. Show all posts
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
News You Can Use: Employees favor cost-sharing carrots
New stats from the Employee Benefit Research Institute show that workers favor using lower-cost sharing as an incentive to individuals to improve or maintain their health. From their latest survey:
* 58% support lower cost sharing for patients who actively participate in a wellness program.
* 40% support lower cost sharing for patients who use treatments that have been scientifically proven to be effective for their medical condition.
* 34% support lower cost sharing for patients who choose high-performing health care providers. * 47% support lower cost sharing for patients who choose less invasive procedures to treat their medical conditions.
Not surprisingly, people who rate their health status as excellent or very good are more supportive of lowered cost sharing than those in not as good health, and opbese individuals and smokers in particular are less likely to support lowered cost sharing for engaged patients.
* 58% support lower cost sharing for patients who actively participate in a wellness program.
* 40% support lower cost sharing for patients who use treatments that have been scientifically proven to be effective for their medical condition.
* 34% support lower cost sharing for patients who choose high-performing health care providers. * 47% support lower cost sharing for patients who choose less invasive procedures to treat their medical conditions.
Not surprisingly, people who rate their health status as excellent or very good are more supportive of lowered cost sharing than those in not as good health, and opbese individuals and smokers in particular are less likely to support lowered cost sharing for engaged patients.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Tip of the Day: Increasing awareness key to decreasing health disparities
This month, EBNers Kathleen Koster and Leah Carlson Shepherd report data regarding the health disparities affecting minority employees and tips for how employers can increase awareness to decrease care gaps.
A survey of more than 1,500 benefit managers by the Washington Business Group on Health found that nearly half believe that ethnic health care disparities "weren't a problem" for their employees, although 80% had never asked minority employees if their race affected their health care.
However, as Koster and Shepherd reveal, such disparities do in fact exist and are costing employers people and money. Read more in this month's EBN cover feature and health care section.
A survey of more than 1,500 benefit managers by the Washington Business Group on Health found that nearly half believe that ethnic health care disparities "weren't a problem" for their employees, although 80% had never asked minority employees if their race affected their health care.
However, as Koster and Shepherd reveal, such disparities do in fact exist and are costing employers people and money. Read more in this month's EBN cover feature and health care section.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Overheard @: President addresses health care at first-ever 'web-hall' meeting
Earlier this afternoon, I posted live Twitter updates on President Obama's first -ever online web-hall meeting. Taking a variety of questions from Internet viewers and a live White House audience, the president addressed several queries on health care.
One online questioner asked: Why can't we have a universal system based on patients' need, not finances?
Calling the employer-based system "an accident of history that works," Obama confirmed that employer-based health benefits should continue to be the foundation of the nation's system of care, but that we need to "fill gaps" in access and focus on prevention. Further, addressing critics who said his current budget proposals will swell the country's deficit, the president responded that one of keys to reducing the deficit is addressing problems in accessing and purchasing health care.
An audience member asked the president about how to amend insurance rules so that individuals with preexisting conditions still can obtain care and coverage affordably.
Referencing his mother's difficult struggle with ovarian cancer that was made even harder by "fighting on the phone with insurance companies," Obama emphasized that any reform of the health care system has to address pre-existing conditions in that insurers must be obligated to provide coverage.
Lastly in a humorous moment, the president addressed the question that won the most online votes: Is legalizing marijuana a sound strategy to aid economy? Joking about the interests/focus of the voting audience, Obama confirmed no, legalized marijuana is not an economic recovery tool. ;)
I thought the web-hall was a great way to include "regular people" in government. If President Obama hosts another web-hall meeting, what question would you most want him to answer? Comment and let me know.
Meanwhile, see EBN coverage of health experts' wish list of topics for Obama to address, and join our live discussion of all benefits topics on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ebneditor.
One online questioner asked: Why can't we have a universal system based on patients' need, not finances?
Calling the employer-based system "an accident of history that works," Obama confirmed that employer-based health benefits should continue to be the foundation of the nation's system of care, but that we need to "fill gaps" in access and focus on prevention. Further, addressing critics who said his current budget proposals will swell the country's deficit, the president responded that one of keys to reducing the deficit is addressing problems in accessing and purchasing health care.
An audience member asked the president about how to amend insurance rules so that individuals with preexisting conditions still can obtain care and coverage affordably.
Referencing his mother's difficult struggle with ovarian cancer that was made even harder by "fighting on the phone with insurance companies," Obama emphasized that any reform of the health care system has to address pre-existing conditions in that insurers must be obligated to provide coverage.
Lastly in a humorous moment, the president addressed the question that won the most online votes: Is legalizing marijuana a sound strategy to aid economy? Joking about the interests/focus of the voting audience, Obama confirmed no, legalized marijuana is not an economic recovery tool. ;)
I thought the web-hall was a great way to include "regular people" in government. If President Obama hosts another web-hall meeting, what question would you most want him to answer? Comment and let me know.
Meanwhile, see EBN coverage of health experts' wish list of topics for Obama to address, and join our live discussion of all benefits topics on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ebneditor.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Overheard @: Employer confidence in future of health benefits slips
Amid rising health care costs and other economic worries, a majority of large U.S. employers remain confident they will continue to offer health care benefits to workers 10 years from now. However, the level of confidence has slipped from last year due to economic concerns and uncertainty over the implications of potential health care reform, according to a new survey by Watson Wyatt and the National Business Group on Health, an association of more than 300 mostly large employers.
Conducted in January, the survey of 489 large U.S. employers finds 62% are very confident they will continue to offer health care benefits 10 years from now, down from 73% last year. The survey also found that, due to today’s economic uncertainty, roughly 59% have either revamped their current health care strategy or expect to do so this year.
"This is the first time in the 14 years that we have conducted this survey that employer confidence has declined, and it is not related to an increase in cost trends,” says Ted Nussbaum, North America director of group and health care consulting at Watson Wyatt. “This clearly reflects the uncertainty among large employers over the impact that the fragile economy is having on their ability to stay competitive in the face of health care costs that persistently rise at double the rate of general inflation.”
Conducted in January, the survey of 489 large U.S. employers finds 62% are very confident they will continue to offer health care benefits 10 years from now, down from 73% last year. The survey also found that, due to today’s economic uncertainty, roughly 59% have either revamped their current health care strategy or expect to do so this year.
"This is the first time in the 14 years that we have conducted this survey that employer confidence has declined, and it is not related to an increase in cost trends,” says Ted Nussbaum, North America director of group and health care consulting at Watson Wyatt. “This clearly reflects the uncertainty among large employers over the impact that the fragile economy is having on their ability to stay competitive in the face of health care costs that persistently rise at double the rate of general inflation.”
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tip of the Day: Prepare for new CHIP requirements
President Obama last week signed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIP), a law that extends a federal program to provide health insurance to low-income children.
However, the law has implications for employers as well, as it gives states the option to provide a subsidy for employer-sponsored coverage to CHIP-eligible children, if the child's parent elects to receive it.
However, the law has implications for employers as well, as it gives states the option to provide a subsidy for employer-sponsored coverage to CHIP-eligible children, if the child's parent elects to receive it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Majority of employees sacrifice retirement for health care benefits
Sunlife Financial Inc., a Toronto based financial services organization, released a retirement poll today finding that 64% of employees would continue working past 67 in order to retain health benefits -- a motivator that rose from the sixth most popular reason in August to the third in December when the poll was conducted.
Forty to 49 year-olds are most likely to continue working into their golden years, with 77% of them planning to work past the traditional age of retirement for health care benefits, a 60% spike in the last 90 days.
Despite the plethora of employees working for health benefits, they continue to sacrifice their health as approximately one third (34%) of employees delayed a routine or elective medical procedure.
Investments savings from 401(k)s, IRAs, or annuities were left untouched by 90% of respondents, suggesting that health comes second to supporting a financially stable lifestyle.
Forty to 49 year-olds are most likely to continue working into their golden years, with 77% of them planning to work past the traditional age of retirement for health care benefits, a 60% spike in the last 90 days.
Despite the plethora of employees working for health benefits, they continue to sacrifice their health as approximately one third (34%) of employees delayed a routine or elective medical procedure.
Investments savings from 401(k)s, IRAs, or annuities were left untouched by 90% of respondents, suggesting that health comes second to supporting a financially stable lifestyle.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tip of the Day: Join the debate on autism coverage
Although President-elect Obama has made expanding access to health care and health coverage a cornerstone of his agenda, the Autism Partnership - an advocacy group based in Seal Beach, Calif. - cautions the adminstration and the general public against neglecting a particularly vulnerable group: children with autism.
Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder, is a pervasive developmental disability, typically characterized by delayed speech, impairments in social interaction and certain repetitive behaviors. Autism is the most prevalent disorder afflicting children; the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimate that one in every 150 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder. Although eight states have enacted coverage mandates for autism treatments, ERISA provisions prevent a national mandate.
Critics of coverage mandates usually suggest that requiring insurers to cover such treatments raises the cost of health care coverage for everyone. Proponents say covering early and aggressive treatment for autism can lessen costs over the long-term.
What do you think? Please comment and let me know. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder, is a pervasive developmental disability, typically characterized by delayed speech, impairments in social interaction and certain repetitive behaviors. Autism is the most prevalent disorder afflicting children; the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimate that one in every 150 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder. Although eight states have enacted coverage mandates for autism treatments, ERISA provisions prevent a national mandate.
Critics of coverage mandates usually suggest that requiring insurers to cover such treatments raises the cost of health care coverage for everyone. Proponents say covering early and aggressive treatment for autism can lessen costs over the long-term.
What do you think? Please comment and let me know. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
News You Can Use: When it comes to wellness, employees say out of site, out of mind
I have a treadmill in my home, and it's a good thing I do. Otherwise, I likely would not exercise. I have the same attitude toward health care; I prefer to go to retail clinics because I don't need an appointment and their hours fit my schedule. Convenience is king. Apparently, I'm in good company, and employers are noticing.
A recent Mercer survey finds that employers who offer primary care services at an onsite clinic can control health-care costs by providing a lower-cost option and to improve productivity by reducing time lost for workers to receive care offsite. Some 31% of large employers offer occupational health clinics, 14% offer a clinic to provide primary care and 10% are considering adding a primary care clinic this year.
Of course, the inevitable response is: Well sure, we'd love to have an onsite clinic but they're too expensive. However, according to Mercer, some employers have found sharing clinic services to be a workable, cost-saving solution. The survey finds 11% of respondents currently share their clinic with another employers and 13% would consider sharing.
And relating back to my 'convenience is king' argument, Mercer finds that 86% of employers cite “convenience (in terms of time and effort) for their employees” as an important or very important objective in offering an onsite clinic. Among other reasons:
* 77%, better access to preventive care.
* 75%, encouraging employees to make better use of health/wellness programs.
* 74%, control of overall health spend.
For more from EBN on onsite health, click here.
A recent Mercer survey finds that employers who offer primary care services at an onsite clinic can control health-care costs by providing a lower-cost option and to improve productivity by reducing time lost for workers to receive care offsite. Some 31% of large employers offer occupational health clinics, 14% offer a clinic to provide primary care and 10% are considering adding a primary care clinic this year.
Of course, the inevitable response is: Well sure, we'd love to have an onsite clinic but they're too expensive. However, according to Mercer, some employers have found sharing clinic services to be a workable, cost-saving solution. The survey finds 11% of respondents currently share their clinic with another employers and 13% would consider sharing.
And relating back to my 'convenience is king' argument, Mercer finds that 86% of employers cite “convenience (in terms of time and effort) for their employees” as an important or very important objective in offering an onsite clinic. Among other reasons:
* 77%, better access to preventive care.
* 75%, encouraging employees to make better use of health/wellness programs.
* 74%, control of overall health spend.
For more from EBN on onsite health, click here.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
News You Can Use: You're damned if you do and damned if you don't on health reform, CBO reports
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office explores the various proposals on the table for reforming the nation's health care system and concludes there aren't many options that will overwhelmingly benefit both employers and employees.
Although most surveys find employers in favor of health reform, among the proposed options to increasing the number of Americans with health coverage -- essentially, premium subsidies and/or individual or employer mandates to obtain/provide coverage -- most would increase costs, CBO finds. And higher costs for employers likely would ultimately mean lower pay for workers (and less taxable income for the government).
Got an idea for how best to reform the health care system? Comment below to share it with us, or click here to share it with the Obama administration.
Although most surveys find employers in favor of health reform, among the proposed options to increasing the number of Americans with health coverage -- essentially, premium subsidies and/or individual or employer mandates to obtain/provide coverage -- most would increase costs, CBO finds. And higher costs for employers likely would ultimately mean lower pay for workers (and less taxable income for the government).
Got an idea for how best to reform the health care system? Comment below to share it with us, or click here to share it with the Obama administration.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tip of the Day: Get those SSNs to CMS
Effective Jan. 1, employers will be required to submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Social Security numbers for covered workers and dependents to comply with a new federal mandate. You've been hearing about this for months, but if you're like us, there's no time like the last minute! Your health insurance carrier likely has already buzzed you about collecting the information.
Among the 411 you'll need to provide:
Tax ID number
Total number of full-time and part-time employees (even those not enrolled in your health plan)
Social Security Number (SSN) for employees and dependents enrolling in new plans as of Jan. 1, and for all plan members by Jan. 1, 2010
Got questions? Click here for a document that should help. If it doesn't, there's still stime to contact CMS. Click here to submit a question.
Among the 411 you'll need to provide:
Tax ID number
Total number of full-time and part-time employees (even those not enrolled in your health plan)
Social Security Number (SSN) for employees and dependents enrolling in new plans as of Jan. 1, and for all plan members by Jan. 1, 2010
Got questions? Click here for a document that should help. If it doesn't, there's still stime to contact CMS. Click here to submit a question.
Friday, December 12, 2008
News You Can't Use (but wish you could): Alberta to ring in new year with no health premiums
On Jan. 1, Alberta, Canada will eliminate its annual premiums for individuals and families for all of 2009. Employers who have paid their employees’ premiums can reinvest the savings in other employee benefits or compensation programs, or they can choose to hold on to the savings. The move is being taken because the province is in such good financial shape and is sharing the wealth with employers.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
News You Can Use: Patients poo-poo quality rankings
When it comes to selecting a doctor or hospital, patients would rather consult friends and family rather than online quality rankings, research finds. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, less than 15% of Americans rely on quality data to make decisions about health care services.
"Virtually no patients look at them," Dr. Bryan Liang , executive director of the Institute of Health Law Studies at California Western School of Law in San Diego, told The Press-Enterprise. "The basic problem of these kinds of ranking systems is that patients do not choose on the basis of scores. They choose on the basis of personal familiarity and experience with the health care entity or provider."
"Virtually no patients look at them," Dr. Bryan Liang , executive director of the Institute of Health Law Studies at California Western School of Law in San Diego, told The Press-Enterprise. "The basic problem of these kinds of ranking systems is that patients do not choose on the basis of scores. They choose on the basis of personal familiarity and experience with the health care entity or provider."
Friday, December 5, 2008
News You Can Use: U.S. health rankings score bragging rights for small states
Congratulations, Vermont, Hawaii and New Hampshire – you’re the top three healthiest states in the nation this year. Sorry, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina – you’re the bottom three states, according to “America’s Health Rankings,” a report from the United Health Foundation.
Curious about where your state falls in the rankings? Find the full list here. The rankings weigh a number of health metrics, such as the infant mortality rate, prevalence of obesity, smoking rate, access to prenatal care, proportion of uninsured residents and prevalence of binge drinking.
Curious about where your state falls in the rankings? Find the full list here. The rankings weigh a number of health metrics, such as the infant mortality rate, prevalence of obesity, smoking rate, access to prenatal care, proportion of uninsured residents and prevalence of binge drinking.
News You Can Use: Send Obama your health care suggestions
The website of the President-Elect Barack Obama features a community discussion board to pick the public’s brain on Health Care solutions. Since the discussion went live on Tuesday over 3,500 individuals have commented.
Care to share? Click here to join the conversation.
Care to share? Click here to join the conversation.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
News You Can Use: Report details discriminatory, unsanitary practices by CVS
The CVS Caremark Corporation is under fire today about the results of an investigation into practices regarding access to its stores and services, quality control and consumer privacy and safety issues at CVS stores.
The study, conducted by consumer advocacy group Cure CVS over a 14-month period, finds that in the metro New York City area, CVS operates four times as many stores per person in the where the median annual household income is over $80,000, as in the least, where the median annual income is under $40,000. There are twice as many CVS stores per person in the wealthiest areas of Greater Los Angeles as there are in the least wealthy. By contrast, Walgreens and Rite Aid have more stores per person in less affluent areas across the country, the group concludes.
The report also finds that CVS is more likely to place 24-hour stores and in-store medical clinics in majority-white neighborhoods and higher-income communities. The chain also has been taken to task for unsanitary practices. In June , the Attorneys General of New York and California demanded that CVS stop offering expired infant formula and over-the-counter medications.
CVS is the nation’s largest drug store chain, operating 6,800 stores nationwide. CVS Caremark Corporation is the nation’s largest source of prescription drugs.
The study, conducted by consumer advocacy group Cure CVS over a 14-month period, finds that in the metro New York City area, CVS operates four times as many stores per person in the where the median annual household income is over $80,000, as in the least, where the median annual income is under $40,000. There are twice as many CVS stores per person in the wealthiest areas of Greater Los Angeles as there are in the least wealthy. By contrast, Walgreens and Rite Aid have more stores per person in less affluent areas across the country, the group concludes.
The report also finds that CVS is more likely to place 24-hour stores and in-store medical clinics in majority-white neighborhoods and higher-income communities. The chain also has been taken to task for unsanitary practices. In June , the Attorneys General of New York and California demanded that CVS stop offering expired infant formula and over-the-counter medications.
CVS is the nation’s largest drug store chain, operating 6,800 stores nationwide. CVS Caremark Corporation is the nation’s largest source of prescription drugs.
Scone: First, do no harm
A recent study published in the December issue of the journal Pediatrics finds that about half of some 800 pediatricians and family docs surveyed delayed purchasing childhood vaccines because of high vaccine costs compared to low reimbursement rates, and another poll finds that 11% of doctors (just 5% of pediatricians) have seriously considered not providing vaccines at all.
The news is meaningful to employers because as health care costs continue to rise and Americans forego health care for themselves and children for financial reasons, a smaller number of doctors providing vaccines could lead to larger outbreaks of certain diseases -- equaling higher health plan costs and employee absences to care for sick children or themselves.
As employers put a larger focus on primary and preventive care in their wellness efforts, cooperation from physicians, including pediatricians who care for employees' children, is essential.
Here's hoping this is a blip for pediatricians, brought on by the economic pressures we're all facing. Anything more than that, and employers, employees and their families could be physically and financially harmed.
The news is meaningful to employers because as health care costs continue to rise and Americans forego health care for themselves and children for financial reasons, a smaller number of doctors providing vaccines could lead to larger outbreaks of certain diseases -- equaling higher health plan costs and employee absences to care for sick children or themselves.
As employers put a larger focus on primary and preventive care in their wellness efforts, cooperation from physicians, including pediatricians who care for employees' children, is essential.
Here's hoping this is a blip for pediatricians, brought on by the economic pressures we're all facing. Anything more than that, and employers, employees and their families could be physically and financially harmed.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
News You Can Use: Average deductible tops $1,000
New survey results from Mercer reveal that for the first time this year, employees' average annual deductible for single coverage topped $1,000 -- a troubling sign for employers and workers alike who are struggling to pay for health care.
The average single person must now pay $1,001 in out of pocket expenses before coverage kicks in, a 17% increase from last year's average $859.
"Raising the deductible has become the fallback for employers faced with cost increases they can't handle," Mercer consultant Laura Baker told the LA Times. "It's the easiest way to reduce cost without taking more out of every employee's paycheck."
Michelle Dimarob, legislative affairs manager for the National Federal of Independent Businesses, added: "This is very reflective of the tough economic times we're in. Health care is truly a pocketbook issue for both employers and employees."
The average single person must now pay $1,001 in out of pocket expenses before coverage kicks in, a 17% increase from last year's average $859.
"Raising the deductible has become the fallback for employers faced with cost increases they can't handle," Mercer consultant Laura Baker told the LA Times. "It's the easiest way to reduce cost without taking more out of every employee's paycheck."
Michelle Dimarob, legislative affairs manager for the National Federal of Independent Businesses, added: "This is very reflective of the tough economic times we're in. Health care is truly a pocketbook issue for both employers and employees."
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tip of the Day
Hold off on buying an AARP mini-med plan.
AARP has hired an independent investigator to probe the sales and marketing of mini-medical plans aimed at workers age 50-64, after Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) called the plans misleading, the New York Times reports. AARP will stop marketing and selling the plans until the investigation is complete.
The plans, offered by AARP via UnitedHealthcare, cover about 1 million members, the Times reports. Grassley takes issue with the plans' marketing mainly because they do not provide catastrophic coverage, but give the impression that the plans are comprehensive. "The products may leave consumers seriously in debt if they need intensive medical care," Grassley said, and asked AARP to disclose its profits from the plans.
AARP has hired an independent investigator to probe the sales and marketing of mini-medical plans aimed at workers age 50-64, after Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) called the plans misleading, the New York Times reports. AARP will stop marketing and selling the plans until the investigation is complete.
The plans, offered by AARP via UnitedHealthcare, cover about 1 million members, the Times reports. Grassley takes issue with the plans' marketing mainly because they do not provide catastrophic coverage, but give the impression that the plans are comprehensive. "The products may leave consumers seriously in debt if they need intensive medical care," Grassley said, and asked AARP to disclose its profits from the plans.
News You Can Use: Primary care system crumbling?
According to survey results from the Physicians Foundation, primary care physicians are severely unhappy with their work, so much so that:
* 20% plan to reduce their patient load.
* 13% plan to take positions without active patient care.
* 11% plan to retire.
* 78% report a shortage of primary care physicians.
* 60% would not recommend medicine as a career.
The problem is significant for employers, as primary care docs are viewed as the linchpin for improving employees' overall health. In fact, EBN contributor Steve Raetzman said in the November issue, "Employers have a unique opportunity to lead the next major change in health care delivery: expanding primary care and transforming it from a fee-for-service, visit-by-visit model to a patient-centered medical home."
Download a free guide for employers on the medical home movement here.
* 20% plan to reduce their patient load.
* 13% plan to take positions without active patient care.
* 11% plan to retire.
* 78% report a shortage of primary care physicians.
* 60% would not recommend medicine as a career.
The problem is significant for employers, as primary care docs are viewed as the linchpin for improving employees' overall health. In fact, EBN contributor Steve Raetzman said in the November issue, "Employers have a unique opportunity to lead the next major change in health care delivery: expanding primary care and transforming it from a fee-for-service, visit-by-visit model to a patient-centered medical home."
Download a free guide for employers on the medical home movement here.
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