Fewer physicians were offered signing bonuses in 2013 than in 2012, and the amount has also declined, according to physician placement data from The Medicus Firm.
Last year, roughly 76 percent of physicians were offered a signing bonus, and the average amount offered was $21,372. In 2012, however, about 85 percent of placed physicians received a signing bonus offer, and the average amount was $24,037.
"This statistic is surprising in light of the competition for physicians," Steve Marsh, managing partner with The Medicus Firm, said in a news release. However, Mr. Marsh noted that signing bonuses tend to fluctuate year to year. "This could simply be a post-surge dip due to the volume and amounts of bonuses offered the previous year," he said.
Indeed, in 2010, just 73 percent of physicians received signing bonuses, but that jumped to 88 percent in 2011.
"[The statistic] will most likely increase again as recruitment remains competitive for physicians, especially primary care," he said.
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