Younger Physicians Worry About ACA, Hospital Employment

More than half of young physicians are pessimistic about the future of U.S. healthcare, according to a survey released yesterday. The Physicians Foundation study, which questioned 500 physicians age 40 and under, reveals widespread concern about healthcare legislation and dissatisfaction with hospital employment.

Young physicians cited the Affordable Care Act as the leading reason for their pessimism, with nearly half believing that it will negatively impact their practice. Respondents also said expressed concern over increased regulatory burdens and medical liability insurance premiums.

The majority of physicians surveyed indicated that they expect to stay in their practices — including primary care and ambulatory surgery centers — for at least the next eight years. However, only 12 percent of physicians employed by large hospital groups indicated that they would stay in their current position if presented with other options, and most anticipated leaving their current position in the next two years.

Financial considerations such as income and cash flow were the primary motivators for 65 percent of physicians in choosing their current practice arrangements. A quarter of respondents said that they chose their arrangement because it was "the only job available."

"The Foundation has noted a growing sense among new doctors that they will never experience the autonomy and independence of previous generations," said Walker Ray, MD, vice president of the Physicians Foundation. "If you combine these factors with the overall uncertainty driven by healthcare reform, it is easy to appreciate the confusion and frustration of young practitioners."


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