Here are eight trends in physician practice preferences and practice concerns, according to the Medicus Firm's 13th annual Physician Practice Preference and Relocation Survey.
1. The Southeast region is the most desired region to practice (23.5 percent), with the Pacific region coming in second place (14 percent). The Northeast/New England and Mid-Atlantic regions tied for third place (12 percent).
2. A single-specialty group is the top practice setting choice. Thirty-four respondents reported it was their most preferred option, up from 28 percent last year. Hospital employment is the second most popular practice setting for physicians.
3. Most physicians feel that being a hospital or health system employee negatively impacts their compensation and career satisfaction.
4. More than 45 percent of practicing physicians reported work/life balance as one of their top two practice concerns.
5. Nearly 20 percent of respondents plan to make a career change within 12 months. Twenty-seven percent indicated they are definitely not making a career move this year, which is down from previous years.
6. Physicians' approval rating of the Affordable Care Act declined for the first time in several years. Only 71 percent of respondents gave the ACA a passing grade this year.
7. Around 36.7 percent of respondents were satisfied with their 2015 income, while 34.1 percent were dissatisfied.
8. Approximately 29.6 percent of physicians project an increase in their 2016 income, as compared to what they earned in 2015.
Note: The survey polled a total of 2,413 providers representing more than 21 specialties, which included physicians in practice and in training, as well as advanced practice clinicians.