Most employed physicians satisfied, with caveats

Employed physicians and administrators appear to be equally satisfied with integration efforts in their healthcare systems, according to a survey by the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE). But some employed physicians still see a shortfall with engagement and alignment.

The ACPE sent an electronic survey with 22 questions to its 10,000 members and 617 replied. Of those respondents, 80 percent agreed or strongly agreed that employed physicians in their organization were satisfied with the current integrated physician model. When asked if administrative leaders were satisfied with the model, 85 percent agreed or strongly agreed.  

But almost half of the participants offered a more gloomy view over other aspects of integration. When asked if employed physicians were fully integrated in performance improvement initiatives, 47 percent responded “no.” They were almost evenly split on financial incentives, with 51 percent reporting that the organization’s financial incentive program rewarded employed physicians for participating in performance improvement initiatives.  

Only 40 percent believed that employed physicians were fully integrated into the financial success of the organization and 38 percent responded that the organization provided financial incentives to reward physicians who were actively engaged in its financial success.

Eighteen percent of respondents said all physicians were directly employed in their organization. Another 23 percent estimated 75 percent to 99 percent of the physicians in their organization were employed; 18 percent said between 50 and 74 percent; 23 percent chose 25 to 49 percent; and 18 percent said less than 25 percent of physicians in their organization were employed.

Tampa-based ACPE says its membership includes chief executive officers, chief medical officers, vice presidents of medical affairs, medical directors and other physicians from 46 countries.