Americans owe at least $195 billion in medical debt

Statistic Info

Despite over 90% of the United States population having some form of health insurance, medical debt remains a persistent problem. For people and families with limited assets, even a relatively small unexpected medical expense can be unaffordable. For people with significant medical needs, medical debt may build up over time. People living with cancer, for example, have higher levels of debt than individuals who have never had cancer.

Author: Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker

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Physician Practices

High rates of burnout is driving an expected shortage of up to 124,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2034

94% of patients would switch providers to access online scheduling options

Between 1990-2022, the number of osteopathic physicians has more than quadrupled from fewer than 25,000 to over 110,000

94% of patients noted a delay associated with Prior Authorization (PA), with 79% reporting that PA delays can lead to treatment abandonment

95% of patients said it is important for a physician to be involved in their diagnosis and treatment decisions

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In 2022, 31.2% of physicians reported they had been sued at some point in their careers. An average of 61 claims had been filed per 100 physicians

Physicians spend nearly 2 hours daily dealing with EHRs outside of working hours

20% of patients can get same- or next-day appointments when self-scheduling is available, and more than 50% can see their physician within a week

Corporate-owned practices have grown by 25% as independent private practices are bought out or abandoned in favor of hospital or corporately owned practices

More 2022 Stats

Medical groups and healthcare organizations reported a 6.1% increase in primary care compensation in 2022 compared to 2021

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Between 1990-2022, the number of osteopathic physicians has more than quadrupled from fewer than 25,000 to over 110,000

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In 2022, 31.2% of physicians reported they had been sued at some point in their careers. An average of 61 claims had been filed per 100 physicians

Physicians spend nearly 2 hours daily dealing with EHRs outside of working hours

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52% of U.S. patients said healthcare providers dismiss their described symptoms

Researchers found that 8.3 million Medicare beneficiaries participated in a telehealth visit, & of these, 5% had one or more out-of-state telehealth visits

Telehealth, physician payment, training more doctors & pandemic preparedness are among the health care provisions in the federal government’s $1.7 trillion budget for 2023