Autonomy is on many physicians' minds as the workforce becomes increasingly consolidated and the number of employed physicians grows.
In 2022, just 44% of physicians owned their practice, compared with 76% in the early 1980s, according to a report from the American Medical Association.
Declining reimbursements, skyrocketing operating costs and rising medical debt are just a few of the reasons physicians are finding it harder to remain independent.
Here are what three physician advocacy groups are saying about the fight to preserve physician autonomy:
The American Academy of Emergency Medicine: "AAEM advocates for a healthcare model that prioritizes physician autonomy and patient-centered care over corporate profits," reads a statement on AAEM's website. "This can be achieved through stronger legislative measures that protect physician decision-making, promoting physician-led organizations, enhancing oversight and accountability of corporate practices, investing in ongoing physician education and support, and strengthening patient advocacy initiatives. By implementing these measures, we can ensure that clinical decisions are based on patient needs rather than financial interests, leading to better patient outcomes, higher physician satisfaction, and a more sustainable and ethical healthcare system."
The American Medical Association: The AMA has long positioned itself at the center of efforts to increase physician autonomy and has pushed for policy changes that would remove administrative burdens for physicians, such as reforming prior authorization, and allowing physicians to focus more on relationships with patients.
"Open and honest communication between physicians and patients is a necessary part of quality health care. No one, especially government officials, should interfere in physicians' ability to provide patients with reliable medical advice," reads a statement on AMA's website. "The AMA provides the insights and resources needed to preserve physician autonomy and deepen physicians’ understanding of their patients — in the office, in the courts and in the legislature."
The Association for Independent Medicine: In an October 2024 blog post by Coronis Health, Jack Dillon, the executive director of AIM asserted that the mission of the organization was to "counterbalance" consolidating forces in healthcare.
"[AIM] champions the belief that independent practices — those who own and operate their practices — offer unique advantages in terms of patient care, cost, autonomy and service to their communities," he writes. "At its core, AIM is dedicated to advocating for the autonomy of healthcare professionals who want to maintain control over their practice without the influence of corporate medicine or hospital systems. The organization’s mission is multifaceted: it provides resources for physicians and other healthcare professionals to navigate the challenges of running their practice, advocates for regulatory and policy changes and fosters a network of like-minded professionals who believe in the importance of patient-centered, personalized care."