Physician compensation isn’t keeping pace with inflation, according to a new survey showing salaries for both primary care docs and specialists rose just a little more than 2 percent between 2007 and 2008. When adjusted for the 3.8% increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index in 2008, compensation actually decreased by 1.73% for primary care physicians and 1.59% for specialists during that time period.
The Medical Group Management Association’s Physician Compensation and Production Survey: 2009 Report Based on 2008 Data breaks down the numbers for a number of specialists:
Gastroenterologists were one of the few specialists to fare relatively well, with their compensation rising 7.38% before and 3.41% after inflation.
Anesthesiologists, OB/GYNs, and orthopedic and general surgeons registered slight gains before inflation but saw their salaries dip 0.87%, 1.92%, 0.35% and 2.72%, respectively, when adjusted for inflation.
Urologists, ophthalmologists and pain management docs were among the hardest hit, with their compensation dropping 4.97%, 4.28% and 9.36%, respectively, after inflation.
The report is based on data voluntarily provided by nearly 50,000 providers. A sampling of the results is available on MGMA’s Web site.
—Irene Tsikitas
