December 8, 2020
Could COVID-19 Spell the End of Independent Physician Practices?
August 21, 2020 - So far, only 8 percent of physicians have closed their practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey. But many more believe that number will skyrocket, particularly among independent physician practices.
The survey conducted by Merritt Hawkins for The Physicians Foundation from July 15, 2020, through July 26, 2020, found that the majority of physicians (59 percent) agreed that COVID-19 would lead to a reduction in the number of independent physician practices in their communities.
Data was based on 3,513 responses.
“Physicians are the foundation of our health care system, and those on the frontlines of the pandemic are evidence of this fact as they continue to care for their patients, families and colleagues,” Robert Seligson, CEO of The Physicians Foundation, said in a press release. “This survey emphasizes how the pre-existing issues within our health care system, such as physician shortages and lack of patient access to health care, will continue to worsen unless we empower and support physicians as they continue to work tirelessly through a global pandemic.”
