Q&A: Support staff for practices with multiple providers

Q: Are there any recommended guidelines for the number of support staff required for practices with multiple providers?

A: The Medical Group Management Association publishes statistics that indicate the median number of staff members generally required per physician in groups of three or more primary care physicians: for a family practice, 4.73; internal medicine, 4.2; pediatrics, 4.87; and ob/gyn, 4.69. Those averages may increase if the practice includes multiple locations, because duplicate or redundant staff would be required. These numbers also include workers that would support any midlevels.