The staffing of physician practices and medical groups continues to be a concern as doctors face increasing workloads and a surge in patient visits, according to a new analysis by the American Medical Group Association (AMGA).
The latest data from the 2025 Medical Clinic Staffing Survey conducted by AMGA reveals that the total clinic staff per provider has remained relatively stagnant at a median of 2.19 full-time equivalent employees, compared to 2.15 FTEs in the previous year. This lack of growth in staffing levels is indicative of the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare organizations in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
The survey reflects the broader labor issues affecting the healthcare industry, exacerbated by the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising levels of provider burnout. AMGA’s analysis includes data from medical groups across the country, encompassing nearly 7,000 clinics and 29,000 providers in various specialties.
One key finding of the survey is the decrease in staffing ratios per 10,000 work relative value units (wRVUs) within primary care specialties, while medical and surgical specialties have seen slight increases. This trend has persisted over the past three years, with primary care and medical specialties experiencing a 5% to 7% decrease in total clinic staffing.
Despite some improvements in staffing levels, the healthcare industry is struggling to meet the growing demand for services, leading to potential challenges in patient access to care. The influx of patients seeking treatment, particularly after delaying routine healthcare during the pandemic, has put additional strain on healthcare providers and organizations.
Health insurance companies have also felt the impact of this surge in patient volume, resulting in historically high costs for services provided through Medicare Advantage plans and other insurance offerings. The pressure on medical groups to maintain high levels of productivity with limited resources is a concerning trend highlighted by the AMGA analysis.
As a result of increasing workloads and turnover rates, many medical groups are turning to advanced practice clinicians (APCs) to help alleviate staffing shortages. The use of APCs, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, has seen a steady increase in recent years, particularly in states where APCs are allowed to practice independently.
Despite the growing reliance on APCs, medical groups are still facing staffing challenges that impact the delivery of care. The trend of incorporating more APCs into the provider workforce is expected to continue in the future as healthcare organizations seek innovative solutions to address workforce shortages and maintain quality patient care.
In conclusion, the findings of the AMGA analysis underscore the need for proactive measures to address staffing issues in physician practices and medical groups. By investing in recruitment and retention strategies, as well as leveraging the skills of advanced practice clinicians, healthcare organizations can better meet the evolving needs of patients and ensure the sustainability of quality healthcare services.
