A Shift Away From Solo Practices Strongest For Gen X/Y Docs

We have all heard about it anecdotally – but here it is… from the mouths of thousands of practicing physicians responding to the CMI/Compas MediaVitals 2014 Survey.

While we see a growing number of physicians across generations working in group practices, it is interesting to note that only 10% of younger generation physicians (ages 49 and under - also considered gen x/y) are practicing solo, unlike their boomer (25%) and silent generation (42%) counterparts. So where are these younger generation doctors practicing at a rate higher than their older generation peers? According to physicians responding to MediaVitals 2014, it's Hospital-owned group practices – with nearly 27% of gen x/y doctors reporting as such, much higher than their boomer (14%) and silent generation (9%) counterparts. Additionally, we see a slightly higher percent of younger physicians practicing within Integrated Health Systems (IHS). Five % stated to report working in an IHS, as opposed to 2% of boomers and 3% of silent generation doctors.

We anticipate the growth of hospital and IHS affiliations to grow in years to come, as group practices continue to be swallowed up by hospital systems. With a high majority of all generational segments being part of such practices, the impact will be vast with every acquisition.

As we all know, hospital-based group practices may be more adherent to particular formularies and internal guidelines, and may be harder to reach live (via a rep) than those based in privately owned group practices. In fact, 22% of gen x/y physicians reporting not seeing reps due to hospital/office policy - the highest amongst the three generations.

Understanding how to reach these physicians, as well as their internal policies and formulary guidelines will have huge impact in future pull-through and relationship strategies between life sciences companies and physicians.