Uptick in Hospitalists Has Some Fearing Deeper Holes in Primary Care

An increase in the number of physicians specializing in hospital care gives some hospital and healthcare leaders cause for concern about a growing primary care physician shortage, according to a Tulsa World report.

Since 2003, the number of hospitalists nationwide has grown steadily; there are currently 30,000 hospitalists in the U.S. employed at 3,300 hospitals, according to the Society of Hospitalist Medicine.

The fear is that a flexible schedule and better paycheck — perks of choosing to be a hospitalist, working for a hospital and only seeing admitted patients — will lure medical students away from establishing primary care practices.

Studies have shown that with hospitalists on staff, patients typically spend less time in the hospital; the evidence is inconclusive whether more hospitalists save their institutions money.

More Articles Related to Primary Care Shortages:

Where Are the "Healthcare Deserts" Located?
Committee Named to Solve Physician Shortage Hasn't Met Once
Analysis: Time is Running Out to Fix Physician Shortage

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