1. Nationwide healthcare worker shortage expected by 2028

A recent Mercer study projects the US will face a shortage of more than 100,000 healthcare workers by 2028, driven by increased demand from an aging population and ongoing worker burnout. New York could be short 61,000 workers, while North Dakota, California, and Texas expect a surplus. The study also predicts a national surplus of 30,000 registered nurses, though most states will experience a shortage of nurse practitioners and home health workers. The analysis points to COVID-19’s lasting effects on worker retention and pay as key contributors to these challenges.

(Axios, September 5, 2024)

2. Hospital mergers linked to rising physician burnout

A study from The Physician’s Foundation ties hospital mergers and acquisitions to rising physician burnout, with 50% of surveyed doctors reporting decreased job satisfaction due to consolidation. One-third of respondents said these mergers had compromised patient care quality and hindered medical autonomy.

The rapid pace of hospital consolidation and increasing administrative burdens significantly contribute to burnout. Doctors are urging reforms to protect their independence and the quality of patient care.

(Xtelligent RevCycle Management, September 18, 2024)

3. Experts discuss how AI can ease physician burnout but warn of potential challenges

At Newsweek’s “Horizons” event, healthcare experts from organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, NewYork-Presbyterian, the American Medical Association, and Google Health discussed how AI could ease physician burnout by automating administrative tasks. 

While AI has the potential to make work more efficient, they warned that AI might inadvertently increase workloads by facilitating more patient visits. The panel emphasized the need for thoughtful AI integration, balancing efficiency gains with preserving physician autonomy and ensuring quality patient care. 

(Newsweek, September 18, 2024)

4. Congress backs bill to simplify prior authorizations

Bipartisan support is growing in Congress for the “Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act,” which seeks to simplify and accelerate the prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans. The bill, which has more than 230 cosponsors, addresses delays that often frustrate physicians and patients by requiring quicker decision-making, particularly for urgent cases. 

Under the new legislation, urgent prior authorization requests must be resolved within 72 hours. The bill also mandates greater transparency, including regular reporting on approval and denial rates. While the bill’s reintroduction follows previous unsuccessful attempts, its budget-neutral stance has significantly improved its chances of passing. 

Major medical organizations, including the AMA and the American College of Rheumatology, strongly support the bill, seeing it as a crucial step to reduce physicians’ administrative burden and improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely access to care.

(Healio, August 30, 2024)

5. Physician burnout in emergency medicine prompts leadership support

Physician burnout remains a pressing issue, particularly in emergency medicine, where the average career span is now just eight years, according to Dr. Mita Patel, medical director of specialty care at Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital. Dr. Patel, who also heads the hospital’s breast program, highlighted that many doctors are leaving clinical roles for non-clinical careers due to the increasing pressures of their work, especially in emotionally and physically demanding specialties like oncology and emergency medicine. 

She emphasizes that leadership within healthcare systems plays a crucial role in combating burnout by creating environments where doctors feel supported and heard. Open communication and fostering a sense of collaboration are vital in helping physicians manage the growing demands of their jobs. 

Dr. Patel advocates for leaders to focus on understanding each doctor’s needs and ensuring they have the resources to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which could reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction in the long term.  

(Becker’s Hospital Review, August 30, 2024)

6. Primary care physician compensation growth slows

A recent American Medical Group Association survey reveals that compensation growth for primary care physicians slowed in 2023, increasing by just 4% compared to 6% in 2022. Meanwhile, medical and surgical specialties saw larger increases, with compensation rising 5% and 6%, respectively. Specialties such as radiology, anesthesiology, and pathology reported the highest growth, at 6%. 

Despite these increases, many primary care physicians face declining compensation per work relative value unit (wRVU), a measure of productivity, even as they continue seeing more patients. Advanced practice clinicians, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, saw compensation growth between 4% and 9%, alongside productivity increases of up to 13%. 

The report warns that rising physician compensation without corresponding increases in collections could lead to long-term sustainability issues. Organizations may continue to rely on higher patient volumes to fund pay raises, potentially exacerbating burnout and straining work-life balance.

(Fierce Healthcare, September 10, 2024)

7. AMA pushes for cultural change to prioritize physician mental health

In a recent Kaiser Permanente “PermanenteDocs Chat” podcast, Dr. Willie Underwood III and Dr. Alex McDonald discussed the ongoing need to prioritize mental health support for physicians and reduce the stigma surrounding mental healthcare. Dr. Underwood noted that many state medical boards and health systems are making progress by updating credentialing and licensing requirements to focus on current impairments affecting a physician’s ability to practice rather than past mental health treatments. 

Despite these changes, 40% of physicians remain hesitant to seek mental healthcare, fearing professional repercussions. The podcast addressed the importance of cultural change within the healthcare industry to ensure that physicians can prioritize their mental health without fear of losing their credentials or facing stigma. The AMA continues to advocate for these reforms, viewing physician well-being as critical to the overall well-being of the healthcare system and the patients it serves. 

(American Medical Association, September 16, 2024)