Generational Gaps
Recently trained physicians and others that have become accustomed to Electronically Medical Records will want to align with organizations that are technologically advanced. Understanding and responding the new way of thinking of “Gen X” and “Gen Y” Physicians will be crucial to attract and retain physicians. Here are a few comparisons where new ways of thinking will be required to bridge the gap between the “Old” and “New” generations:
New
Salaried, plus bonus
Minimal Financial Investment
Limited ED call
Meetings during 8-5 work day
Ample guaranteed vacation time
Seek Mentoring
Multiple career changes
Marketing required to succeed
Seek conflict resolution
Dual career household
Old
Productivity
Ownership
ED call expected
Meetings after hours
Earn vacation time
Do it the hard way
Plan to retire with practice
Marketing viewed negatively
Conflict adverse
Single bread winner
In addition, physician patient encounters decrease at annual rate of 1.2% due to:
- Higher acuity patients
- Longer, more complex visits
- More diagnostic test & surgical procedures
- Multiple diagnosis & prescriptions require greater levels of coordination of care among multiple specialists
- More counseling services and preventative therapy
- Reimbursement complexities
- Generation “X” and women physicians tend to have less patient encounters
- Increased demand for work life balance
Organizations need to carefully align expectations of the changing work force, especially in employed situations to avoid making the mistakes of the prior generation of employed physicians. Willingness to provide flexible schedules will increase your candidate pool, but don’t be afraid to discuss the impact on the revenue cycle and net effect on the compensation for the physician.