Here are five main findings from the 2015 National Survey of Primary Care Providers.
1. The survey showed physicians’ greatest concern was that new models are changing the dynamics of payment and patient care. Half of responding physicians said the increased use of quality metrics has a negative impact on the quality of care, but 22 percent said the increased use is positive.
2. Consolidation is another primary concern. Seventeen percent of physicians said their practices were purchased by or merged with another system within the past two years, therefore increasing leverage with insurers.
3. A major source of concern relates to billing. Approximately 46 percent of physicians rated private payers as “good” or “excellent” based on their payment rates. Thirty-two percent gave the same rating for their ease of administration.
4. Almost half of physicians are considering early retirement. The recent trends in healthcare are causing 47 percent to think about retiring earlier than they initially planned. However, overall physician satisfaction has not changed greatly over the past 20 years, according to the survey.
5. The organizations surveyed 1,624 primary care physicians. Fifty-five percent are paid on the quality or efficiency of care while 34 percent are paid strictly on a fee-for service reimbursement schedule. Twenty-nine percent participate in accountable care organizations.
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