Common Problems Faced By Physicians Today

By Author: Hippocrates Publishing
Total Articles: 8
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The decision to become a doctor is a momentous one. A notable and rewarding position indeed, becoming a physician requires great physical and mental stamina. There is truly nothing like being able to help a person when he or she is sick or hurt, or better yet, saving lives. Most physicians are noble, hardworking, and truly dedicated to caring for their patients.

Unfortunately, apart from the advantages of becoming an office- or hospital based physician, there are disadvantages as well. Life as a doctor who works in an office or hospital setting is quite taxing, considering the long, strenuous hours worked, the responsibility at hand, and the overall stress of dealing with managed care and HMOs. Not to mention, as an employed physician of a hospital or clinic, you are likely in a position that is easily replaceable.

Specific problems for physicians who are employed by a hospital, clinic, or are involved in a group practice, include the following:

1.) Managed Care/HMOs. Physicians in office or hospital settings are expected to follow managed care policies, which critics say has contributed to higher health ...
... care costs, increased the number of uninsured citizens, and has applied downward pressure on quality.

2.) High Overhead. With standard medical practices, physicians are faced with pricey long-term leases, utility bills, employee insurance, and expensive equipment. Office-based physicians are only making a 20 to 25% net profit, whereas with medical house calls, they can keep overhead low and make a 55 to 65% net profit.

3.) Low Reimbursement Rates.

4.) No Free Time. When they are not working an average of 50 or more hours per week, office-based physicians are almost always on call. They see an average of 25 to 35 patients per day, which just barely covers expenses.

5.) No Flexibility.

6.) High Malpractice Premiums. Malpractice for an office-based family practitioner, internal medicine, or generalist can escalate as high as $18 to $20k per year based on a high to medium sized patient base.

7.) High competition.

With such problems facing physicians, who for the most part are only trying to do their jobs in helping people, there has to be a more viable alternative out there

And there ismedical house call practices. There are a number of excellent reasons why a physician should start their own medical house call practice.

Freedom from HMOs and Managed Care Plans
Significant reduction of overhead
Increased reimbursement rates
Ability to better assist the escalating senior population
More free time and higher income
Schedule flexibility
Lower malpractice premiums
Ability to utilize medical house calls as an expansion to current office-based practices
Gaining a more competitive edge
Increased marketing appeal and value to the patient

Since 2004, Hippocrates Publishing has provided invaluable support to thousands of medical professionals all over the world. Their unique specialty is in writing and publishing books and booklets to assist physicians with medical practice marketing and niche medical practices. Visit www.HippocratesPublishing.com today for more information, or call 877-408-2462.