More Evidence Your Doctor’s Working Harder Than Ever
Physician productivity is on the rise as doctors handle heavier workloads, a consequence of a shortage of medical care providers and an increase in patients post the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent report from Vizient’s KaufmanHall consulting firm highlights this trend, showing a 4% increase in net patient revenue per provider in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. Additionally, per-physician work relative value units (wRVUs) saw a 6% rise in the second quarter, indicating higher physician productivity.
The report suggests that physicians are working more, as evidenced by the rise in revenue and expenses. This surge in physician workload comes at a time when the healthcare system is grappling with a growing physician shortage and an aging population with complex healthcare needs. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2036, highlighting the urgency of addressing workforce challenges in healthcare.
To address this looming shortage, bipartisan efforts are underway in Congress to lift the cap on Medicare funding for residencies, a move that could help alleviate the physician shortage in the long run. The KaufmanHall report, based on data from over 200,000 employed physicians and advanced practice providers across various specialties, underscores the need for sustained efforts to support and incentivize the healthcare workforce.
Earlier reports, such as the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) 2025 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey, have also highlighted the strain on physicians as they juggle increased patient visits and workload. With compensation increases tied to productivity gains, there is a growing recognition of the need to strike a balance between patient care volume and physician well-being.
As the healthcare system navigates these challenges, it is crucial to prioritize workforce sustainability and ensure that physicians are adequately supported to deliver high-quality care to patients. The evolving landscape of healthcare delivery calls for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to address the growing demands on the healthcare workforce.
