Opinion
Rising expenses outstrip the ability of part-time physicians to cover them
LETTER — Posted Jan. 29, 2007
Regarding "Baby bias: Setting policies that are fair for workers" (Article, Jan. 1/8): I read with interest your article about "doctor moms." I am president of a 18-member primary care group that lost three such doctor moms in the last year. Unfortunately, your article did nothing to address the economic consequences of less-than-full-time work.
As you know, primary care is in a state of economic siege, with expenses rising much faster than reimbursement. A primary care physician who works 60% to 70% of a "full" schedule still incurs 80% of the expenses. The average primary care physician has to work a 50- to 60-hour work week to cover their own expenses and make a reasonable living. A "doctor mom" who wishes to work only 30 to 40 hours per week in primary care simply cannot generate enough revenue to cover her "fair share" of expenses and still make a satisfactory wage. Unfortunately, it seems that only in situations where pay is disconnected from revenue generation (i.e., academia, administration) can this balance of lifestyle and salary be achieved.
Leonard H. Kanterman, MD, Cortland, Ohio
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/01/29/edlt0129.htm.
