In a recent Medical Econcomics (www.memag.com) poll, 4 of 5 physicians find it challenging to maintain their dual roles of doctor and businessperson, and 76% expect that challenge to get harder over the next few years. The following are the most common practice management challenges listed in the poll and the % of physicians citing each:
56% Automating patient records
54% Managing slow party reimbursement
48% Managing malpractice insurance costs/coverage
42% Collecting payments directly from patients
36% Expanding patient base
36% Managing accounts receivable
31% Adding and updating medical equipment
22% Earning adequate net income to compensate partners
22% Finding the right providers or additional providers
12% Finding financing for expansion