IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A trade report this month sponsored by MedSynergies Inc. found 70% of responding national hospitals and health systems plan to employ more physicians in the next 12 to 36 months. The HealthLeaders Media Hospital-Physician Alignment survey also saw full employment trump the long-dominant “volunteer medical staff” as the top medical staff model, evidencing momentum in the move towards hospital-physician alignment.

Additionally, the report highlighted the need for physician alignment/engagement beyond employment to achieve the quality outcomes expected from employing more doctors. In fact, respondents reported a meager 11% of employed physicians are completely engaged, said JR Thomas, president and chief executive officer of MedSynergies.

“Some markets are in an all-out race to recruit physicians based on the thinking that primary-care doctors will be the linchpin in the healthcare system of the future,” said Thomas. “But increased employment does not translate into increased engagement. Hospitals and health systems need to work with doctors side-by-side in meeting the healthcare needs of the marketplace both in the hospital and in the field – it’s a symbiotic relationship.”

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