According to a survey of hospital chief financial officers by Merritt Hawkins & Associates, revenue generated from affiliated physicians rose in 2009. The “2010 Physician Inpatient/Outpatient Revenue Survey” reveals that physicians generated $1,543,788 per year on average in 2009 compared to $1,496,432 per year in 2007. Merritt Hawkins & Associates President Mark Smith says, “Patients are not admitted to the hospital or discharged, tests ordered or procedures performed without a physician’s signature. Hospitals depend on doctors to drive patient care, which in turn drives revenue.” However, revenue generation varied among specialties, with neurosurgeons bringing in more revenue for hospitals than primary care specialties.
From “Hospitals Gain $1.5 Million From Each Physician”
American Medical News (IL) (04/06/10)Elliott, Victoria Stagg