Ep. 70: The state of private practice with Paul Berggreen, M.D., of AIMPA

Paul Berggreen, M.D., a gastroenterologist and president of the American Independent Medical Practice Association (AIMPA), joins the show to talk about the current state of private practice, as well as the findings of the American Medical Association's (AMA's) Physician Practice Benchmark Survey.

Download the survey here.

Don't miss our previous episodes on the physician shortage, risks of prescribing GLP-1 drugs, immigration policy and AI diagnostic tools.

Music Credits:
SMOOTH GROOVY BACKGROUND RNB by Resolute Audio - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
COCKTAIL by Mythical Audio - stock.adobe.com

Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.

Introduction to Private Practice Medicine (00:00:00) Dr. Berggreen discusses the entrepreneurial nature of private practice and its importance compared to institutional employment models.

Podcast and Guest Introduction (00:00:29) Host introduces the podcast, episode context, and the main speakers.

AMA Physician Practice Benchmark Survey Overview (00:01:10) Discussion about the AMA survey, its methodology, and its relevance to physician employment trends.

Trends in Private Practice and Survey Data Limitations (00:02:09) Analysis of the declining percentage of physicians in private practice and issues with survey methodologies.

Factors Driving Decline in Private Practice (00:04:41) Exploration of inadequate payment rates, rising costs, and regulatory burdens affecting independent practices.

Impact of Payment and Regulatory Challenges (00:05:05) Detailed explanation of payment stagnation, rising costs, and regulatory complexity for independent physicians.

Physician Ownership and Autonomy (00:09:07) Discussion on the importance of physician ownership, autonomy, and its impact on burnout and patient care.

Loss of Autonomy in Large Systems (00:10:19) Real-world examples of how loss of autonomy affects physicians and patient referrals in large organizations.

Technology, AI, and Independent Practice (00:13:53) Consideration of how AI and technology may help or hinder independent practices, including cost and adoption.

AI Tools in Practice: Benefits and Costs (00:14:27) Specific examples of AI tools for documentation, their benefits, and financial implications for small practices.

Specialty Breakdown in Independent Practice (00:18:03) Review of AMA survey findings by specialty, with insights into which specialties remain more independent.

Private Equity and MSO Models in Healthcare (00:20:20) Discussion of private equity’s role, MSO models, and their impact on cost, quality, and physician autonomy.

Avalere Study on Practice Models and Costs (00:22:25) Summary of a study comparing cost and quality outcomes across different practice models, including private equity.

Independent Practice and National Health Initiatives (00:27:26) Role of independent practice in improving national health, access, and chronic disease management.

Innovation and Physician Shortage (00:30:36) Discussion on physician shortages, the need for innovation, and the importance of extending physicians’ careers.

Inclusivity of AIMPA Membership (00:32:08) Clarification that AIMPA welcomes all specialties, including internal and family medicine.

Episode Closing Remarks (00:32:37) Farewell, thanks, and information on subscribing to the podcast and newsletters.