Medical clinics' staffing costs rose 10 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to a recent survey from medical group advisory firm AMGA Consulting.
An online survey was sent to all American Medical Group Association council members. Eighty responded — 86 percent of whom belong to system-affiliated organizations, representing more than 7,900 clinics and 30,000 physicians. Their insights were charted in the "2023 Medical Clinic Staffing Survey Report."
No clinics reported being fully staffed for clinical roles. One-quarter of respondents said they are operating between 90 to 99 percent of their optimal staffing level, while the largest group — 4 in 10 — reported operating between 80 to 89 percent of optimal staffing levels. Most respondents also reported understaffing in administrative roles, although 1.3 percent are operating at optimal levels.
Clinics reported a variety of strategies to combat workforce shortages, from automating processes to lessen the load on existing workers to increasing sign on bonuses to attract new ones. Here are 27 tactics they've employed in response to staffing challenges:
Tactics to staff/attract new talent:
1. Virtual/remote work options — 93.5 percent use this
2. Referral bonuses — 88.2 percent
3. Coordination with local educational institutions for training — 85.5 percent
4. Sign on bonuses — 77.6 percent
5. Job-sharing/schedule flexibility — 71.8 percent
6. Centralization — 70.8 percent
7. Use of temporary labor — 70.7 percent
8. Change position/job requirements — 66.2 percent
9. Change to benefits package/requirements — 55.7 percent
Tactics to automate and improve processes:
1. Increase usage of online patient portal — 90.9 percent
2. Pre-visit data collection/registration — 86.7 percent
3. Centralized call/contact center — 80.3 percent
4. Automated copay collection prior to visit — 66.7 percent
5. Self check-in/kiosk for office visits — 65.8 percent
6. Centralized refill hub — 54.9 percent
7. Updated front desk procedures/role requirements — 50 percent
8. Centralized in-basket management — 41.7 percent
9. Rooming process changes — 38 percent
Tactics to adjust staffing structure and care models:
1. Increase number of advanced practice clinicians — 90.8 percent
2. Increase telehealth/virtual care options — 80.5 percent
3. Clinical staff teaming changes — 72.2 percent
4. Modify medical assistant responsibilities — 68 percent
5. Allow APCs to carry their own panel — 65.3 percent
6. Standardized clinic staff roles/not assigned to specific provider — 51.4 percent
7. Clinical staff working remotely — 50 percent
8. Change RN responsibilities — 43.1 percent
9. Clinic-based mental health staff — 41.3 percent