Medical practices are constantly balancing patient care with business realities, a challenge amplified since the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffing remains a top concern. A recent Physicians Practice survey of medical professionals sheds light on the current state of staffing, pay, and benefits, revealing both successes and ongoing struggles in building effective teams.
Understaffing Persists Amidst Growth
A concerning 41% of respondents report understaffing, a significant rise from 27% five years ago. This paradoxically occurs despite 44% having increased staff in the same period, indicating that hiring efforts are often outpaced by rising patient demand and administrative burdens. While 53% feel adequately staffed, only 6% report being overstaffed. Looking ahead to 2025, 60% expect staffing levels to remain stable, with 34% anticipating further hiring, reflecting a cautious approach to managing patient volume and budgets.
The Talent Squeeze: Finding Qualified Staff Remains the Primary Hurdle
The most significant staffing challenge, cited by 76% of respondents, is finding qualified personnel. Despite a somewhat loosened labor market, a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in specialized clinical and administrative roles, persists. Other key concerns include increased workload/dual roles (37%), high staff turnover (20%), and a lack of professionalism (22%). Balancing the need for reliable, congenial team members with the demand for specialized skills like billing/coding or medical assisting remains a challenge.
Compensation and Benefits: Stability with Modest Improvements
Despite reimbursement concerns, 69% of practices provided staff raises in 2024. The 31% that did not primarily cited decreasing reimbursements. Benefit structures remain relatively stable:
- Paid time off is offered by 92% of practices.
- Health insurance by 78%.
- Retirement plans by 70%.
- Dental and vision by 62% and 57%, respectively.
Only 10% added benefits in the past year, with 75% reporting no changes. Practices recognize that competitive benefits, such as robust PTO and health coverage, can enhance recruitment and retention.
Insights From the Field: Practical Advice From Practitioners
Survey respondents shared valuable insights:
- Invest in People: Emphasize training and fair compensation to build loyalty.
- Address Poor Performance Promptly: Act quickly to remove negative influences.
- Foster Team Culture: Lead by example and cultivate a positive team environment.
- Prioritize Flexibility: Offer flexibility, especially for working parents.
- Plan for the Future: Prepare for AI integration and optimize staffing levels.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Costs and Patient Care
The tension between staffing, compensation, and profitability remains a core challenge. With most practices relying on fee-for-service reimbursement, controlling overhead is crucial. While alternative models like concierge or direct pay exist, they are not universally applicable.
Key takeaways from the survey:
- Competitive pay and benefits improve retention.
- A positive workplace culture is vital for addressing staffing shortages.
- Agility is essential to navigate evolving reimbursement models and technologies.
Ultimately, successful practices will prioritize investing in talent, adapting to new operational models, and fostering a supportive work environment. By doing so, they can thrive in the dynamic medical landscape.
Source: Physician’s Practice| March 4, 2025