Physician shortages continue to challenge healthcare leaders, according to a recent report. The Q3 2024 Medicus Market Report offers valuable insights into these staffing challenges, the latest locum tenens news, and more. To download your copy, please complete the short form below.
Discover Key Healthcare Market Insights
Almost Half of Hospitals are Unequipped to Manage Current Patient Volumes
Many healthcare executives are grappling with physician recruitment and retention issues due to salary constraints, demanding schedules, physician shortages, and increasing job stress. As a result, nearly 49% of hospital executives feel their facilities aren't fully prepared to manage current patient volumes.
While there is strong interest in improving retention strategies—such as using retention bonuses, which 69% of executives find effective—only 29% are concerned about the associated costs. Despite these efforts, over half of hospitals have increased their reliance on locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners, and less than one-third of executives have made significant changes to their operating models to address clinical workforce challenges and ensure long-term sustainability. However, nearly half of those planning such changes are already implementing them.
6 Physician Specialties with the Highest Intent to Leave
As physicians approach retirement age, it’s natural for them to contemplate stepping down or scaling back their work hours. However, recent data from an American Medical Association survey reveals a more alarming trend: nearly one-third of all physicians are considering leaving their positions or reducing their hours. This concern extends beyond those nearing retirement, affecting a notable number of younger and mid-career physicians.
These statistics highlight a significant shift in the healthcare workforce, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to address physician burnout and retention challenges.
Nearly Half of U.S. Counties do not Have a Cardiologist
The gap in accessible cardiology care in the United States is widening. A recent study revealed that nearly half (46.3%) of all U.S. counties do not have a practicing cardiologist. This issue is even more pronounced in rural areas, where 86.2% of counties have no cardiologists available.
Americans living in counties without a cardiologist face a 31% higher cardiovascular risk index than those with a cardiologist. These counties are more likely to be in rural areas within the U.S., highlighting the growing disparity of cardiology care throughout the U.S. As cardiologist shortages persist, implementing locum tenens staffing strategies into healthcare staffing models can be vital in ensuring communities have access to specialized care.
For a comprehensive look into these healthcare trends and more, download the complete Q3 Medicus State of the Market Report.
