The Loss of Independent Physicians in Rural America

The loss of independent physicians in rural America

A new report finds steep declines in rural physician numbers and small practice closures — raising alarm about access, consolidation and the corporatization of care.

More Physicians Move to Practices Owned by Hospitals & Private Equity Groups

Physicians continue to move away from private practices and increasingly work at practices owned by hospitals or private equity groups, according to the latest analysis (PDF) from the American Medical Association (AMA). Physicians reported that inadequate payment rates, costly resources, and burdensome regulatory and administrative requirements are longstanding and important drivers of this change. “The share of doctors working in practices whol…