The report, “Generalist and Specialty Physicians: Supply and Access, 2009–2010,” examines trends in the accessibility of generalist and specialty physicians by patients. NCHS defined generalists as physicians in family practice, general practice, internal medicine and pediatrics; specialists were physicians in all other specialties. Data come from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.
Some key data points for 2009 to 2010 include the following:
• Seventy percent of generalist physicians spent 31 hours or more per week providing direct patient care, compared with 61 percent of specialty physicians.
• Forty percent of generalist physicians worked evening and weekend hours, whereas 19 percent of specialty physicians did.
• Fifty-five percent of generalist physicians reported patients waited less than a week for a routine medical examination appointment, compared with 43 percent of specialty physicians.
• Eighty-two percent of generalist physicians set aside time for same-day appointments, compared with 49 percent of specialty physicians.
• Twenty-seven percent of generalist physicians’ visits were same-day appointments, compared with 7 percent of specialty physicians’ visits.
More Articles on Capacity Management:
Managing the Care Transition: The Impact of the ED Disposition Decision
Study: ED-Based Observation Units Have Low Value for Certain Young Adults
Top 10 Diagnoses for One-Time ED Users and Super-Users in New York City
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
