However, demand is back up in 2023 as physician and advanced practitioner supply and demand trends are being driven by seven key factors:
1. Population growth: The U.S. population is expected to increase by nearly 100 million by 2050.
2. Population aging: By 2034, there will be more individuals in the U.S. who are older than 65 than children younger than 17 for the first time.
3. Provider aging: About 30 percent of physicians in active patient care are over 60, meaning a “retirement cliff” is on the horizon.
4. Provider burnout: COVID-19 drove mass physician burnout, turnover and increased job vacancies.
5. Pervasive ill health: Six in 10 U.S. adults have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or lung disease. About 4 in 10 have two or more chronic medical conditions.
6. Pipeline problems: Federal funding for physician training was capped in 1997 and has been limited since.
7. Practice styles: Physicians are increasingly adopting different practice styles, including part-time, locum tenens, employment and nonclinical roles.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.