Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/301968
16 Clinical Integration & ACOs Shortage of 1,500 Oncologists Slated to Hit by 2025 By Molly Gamble T he country's demand for oncologists is slated to nearly double and lead to a shortage of nearly 1,500 cancer specialists by 2025, accord- ing to a report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The number of new cancer cases in the United States is projected to increase by as much as 42 percent by 2025, but the number of oncologists will likely grow by only 28 percent. That results in a shortage of nearly 1,500 physi- cians. "In more concrete terms, given that an oncologist sees an average of 300 new patients each year, nearly 450,000 new patients are likely to face obstacles in getting life-saving care," the ASCO wrote. ASCO's workforce analysis has previously found oncologists in short supply in many rural communities: Only 3 percent of oncologists practice in rural areas, where nearly one in five Americans reside. Further, more than 70 per- cent of U.S. counties analyzed by ASCO have no medical oncologists at all. An additional complicating factor is the growing concern about whether smaller, independent oncology practices, particularly those in rural com- munities, will survive financial pressures and reimbursement cuts. Nearly two-thirds of small oncology practices — those with only one or two physi- cians — reported that they are likely to merge, sell or close in the next year, according to ASCO. n Employed, Independent Physicians Equally Satisfied By Heather Punke E mployed physicians are on par satisfaction-wise with their self-em- ployed counterparts, as 73 percent of employed physicians and 74 percent of self-employed physicians said they were satisfied overall, according to the Medscape Employed Physicians Report 2014. Nearly half (49 percent) of employed physicians work in a hospital or in a physician group now owned by a hospital. About 21 percent of employed physicians work for private groups that have a few owners but also employ a number of physicians, according to the survey. The remaining employed physicians work in places like community health centers, military bases, corporate labs or nursing homes. Financial challenges seem to drive physicians to become employed, as 38 percent of respondents chose "financial security/less risk" as the primary reason for choosing employment. Another 29 percent chose employment for fewer administrative responsibilities, and 19 percent became employed for better hours or work/life balance. Medscape surveyed more than 4,600 physicians for this report. n How Do Manage Workforce Costs towerswatson.com/hospitals Towers Watson. A global company with a singular focus on our clients. Benefits I Risk and Financial Services I Talent and Rewards I Exchange Solutions Financial pressures on hospitals are likely to intensify, so many are taking a hard look at pay, benefits and other workforce programs. But reductions in reward programs can make it more difficult to attract and retain key talent. Let Towers Watson work with you to develop innovative, cost-efficient benefit and risk financing programs that meet your financial goals and your employees' needs, and allow you to deliver the highest-quality patient care. and Still Deliver Quality Patient Care? TW-Beckers 75x5-NA 2014-37456-Final.indd 1 3/31/2014 12:17:23 PM