The Physicians Foundation's 2016 Survey of America's Physicians: Practice Patterns & Perspectives found hospital employment is rising, along with administrative work and serious dissatisfaction.
Here are eight key findings from the report:
1. Just 33 percent of respondents were independent practice owners or partners; in 2012, that number was 48.5 percent.
2. More than half, 55 percent, of physicians are participating in Physician Quality Reporting Systems and 75 percent participate in some sort of patient satisfaction survey.
3. ACOs have been much-discussed, but currently only 36 percent of physicians participate in an ACO.
4. ICD-10 went into effect about one year ago, but only 6 percent of physicians reported it improved efficiency at their practices; 42.5 percent said it detracted from efficiency.
5. More than half, 54 percent, said their morale is somewhat negative and only 37 percent said their feelings about the future of the medical profession are positive.
6. Employed physicians see 19 percent fewer patients than practice owners, a sobering trend as practice owners disappear. Additionally, a recent study on hospital employment from the Boston-based Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found hospital employment doesn't improve patient care.
7. There are only 17 percent of the physicians in solo practice, down from 25 percent in 2012.
8. Physicians report spending 21 percent of their time on non-clinical paperwork. Only 14 percent reported having the time needed to provide the "highest standards of care."