How can physicians get their power back?

Becker's Healthcare September 27, 2024
Patsy Newitt

Physician autonomy has become a core concern as the workforce faces growing consolidation, with large healthcare systems, corporate entities and insurance companies increasingly influencing clinical decision-making and operational practices.

Around 108,700 physicians left private practice for employment between 2019 and 2021, according to a report from Avalere. And in 2022, just 44% of physicians owned their practice, compared with 76% in the early 1980s, according to a report from the American Medical Association.

Six physician leaders joined Becker’s to discuss how physicians can get their autonomy back.

Question: Amid the erosion of physician autonomy, how can doctors get their power back?

Editor’s note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and length,

Michael Gomez, MD. NICU Medical Director...