News: 70% of physicians would not recommend the profession to children or family members, study finds

Physicians are increasingly discouraged about their profession, largely because of electronic health records (EHRs) and value-based reimbursement, according to a recent survey of more than 3,400 physicians conducted by The Doctors Company.

Physicians are so disillusioned, according to the survey results, that 70% are unwilling to recommend the profession to their children or other family members, HealthLeaders Media reported.

More than half of physicians say they are contemplating retirement within the next five years, including a third of those under the age of 50, the survey found. Respondents, however, indicated they have not wavered in their advocacy for preserving the doctor-patient relationship and providing high-quality care.

Some key findings of the survey include:

• 54% believe EHRs had a negative impact on the physician-patient relationship.
• 61% believe EHRs are having a negative impact on their workflow, with many suggesting that EHR requirements are a major cause of burnout.
• 62% don't plan to change practice models, perhaps indicating that the pace of practice change seen in recent years may have run its course.
• 50% believe value-based care and reimbursement will have a negative impact on overall patient care.
• 61% believe value-based care and reimbursement will have a negative impact on their practice.
• 63% believe value-based care and reimbursement will have a negative impact on their earnings.

Physicians also are hesitant about participating in bundled payment models, HealthLeaders Media reported.

“Doctor appear mixed on bundled payments, with 48% not planning to participate and 52% either planning to participate, undecided, or needing more information,” the report says.

Editor’s note: To read HealthLeaders Media’s coverage of this story, click here. To read RevCycleIntelligence’s coverage, click here. To read the whole study, click here. To read about CDI professionals’ role with the EHR, click here.