June 4, 2025

Physicians continue to move away from private practices and increasingly work at practices owned by hospitals or private equity groups, according to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) biennial Physician Practice Benchmark Survey. The survey shows that in 2024, 42.2 percent of physicians worked in private practices; down from 46.7 percent in 2022 and from 60.1 percent in 2012, when the survey was first conducted. 

Private practices now account for less than half of physicians in most medical specialties, ranging from 30.7 percent in cardiology to 46.9 percent in radiology. Exceptions included orthopedic surgery (54 percent), ophthalmology (70.4 percent), and other surgical subspecialties (51.2 percent).

Among independent physicians who sold their practices in the last 10 years to a hospital, private equity firm, or insurer, the most cited reason was inadequate payment rates (rated as important or very important by 70.8 percent of physicians). Next were the need to improve access to costly resources (64.9 percent) and better manage payers’ regulatory and administrative requirements” (63.6 percent).

Colorado physicians are facing growing pressures — flat reimbursements, rising administrative burdens, and a system that’s eroding physician-patient trust. CMS and the AMA urgently request you speak up through a quick survey.

It takes less than 5 minutes but your response helps power our advocacy with lawmakers and regulators. Without strong participation, we can’t effectively fight for the changes physicians desperately need.

If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please do it now. We need as many Colorado physicians to respond as possible — including you. Once you complete the survey, please ask a colleague to do the same.

Together, we can make your voice heard.

Optional: We value your time! After completing the survey, complete this form to be entered into a giveaway for a surprise gift from CMS.

The House recently adopted a reconciliation bill (PDF) that includes some initial steps to stabilize Medicare physician payments -- but the American Medical Association (AMA) and national specialty and state medical societies are concerned about other provisions that could harm access to care, especially for Medicaid patients and those in underserved communities.

The reconciliation bill includes some Medicaid and ACA provisions that could create new barriers (PDF) for eligible patients seeking coverage. Currently Medicaid and CHIP provide access to critical health care services for almost 80 million Americans. Consider sharing your experience with Medicaid with Colorado's U.S. Senators as they will soon vote on this bill.

The Colorado Psychiatric Society Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee invites you to help combat mental health inequities facing young people of color. Your time and dollars go a long way in making a difference for young people of color facing the mental health challenges and the impact of systemic racism.

Register today and get ready to run, walk and roll in person on Saturday, July 19, in Denver or in your own community to show support. Your efforts help promote awareness about and raise funds to support community organizations that have undertaken innovative awareness programs and/or have provided services to improve the mental health of young people of color. 

Health care and public health workers are facing more stress than ever. As burnout continues to rise, supporting the well-being of your frontline staff is essential for delivering quality care.

A program through the Centers for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health—Health Links®—can help, at no cost to your practice. They partner with health care organizations to provide evidence-based tools and advising that promote workforce well-being, prevent burnout, and build resiliency across teams.

With Health Links, your organization will receive:

Whether you're managing a clinic, health care team, hospital, health system, or public health organization, Health Links® can help you build a culture of health, safety and wellbeing, where your team feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Email [email protected] to learn more and get started.

As a Colorado Medical Society member, you have access to a powerful two-in-one solution that combines life insurance with long-term care benefits—ensuring financial security for both your family and future care needs. With Transamerica Universal Life Insurance and its Long Term Care Rider, you can protect your loved ones while securing coverage for potential long-term care expenses. This simplified issue policy makes enrollment easy, with no medical exams required, and includes a Restoration Rider, ensuring your life insurance benefit remains intact even if you use the long-term care coverage. Take advantage of this exclusive CMS member benefit and safeguard your financial future today.

Registration is now open for the 2025 American Conference on Physician Health™ (ACPH). Co-sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA), Mayo Clinic and Stanford Medicine, this biennial conference features keynote speakers, interactive workshops, poster and oral presentations, and multiple networking opportunities.

The ACPH conference theme, "Inspire, innovate, implement: Systemic solutions to strengthen physician well-being," focuses on creating sustainable improvements in the health care environment. All presentations will focus on one of three key areas: Wellness-centered organizational culture, technology and efficiency of practice, or institutional support for individuals. It is expected to sell out this week; get more information and register through the button below.

The 10th Annual Chronic Liver Disease Seminars, jointly provided by the Colorado Medical Society and SC Liver Research Consortium, offer a comprehensive educational series on liver diseases.

The program includes nine live events nationwide plus an enduring material course. Remaining live events will be held in Cincinnati Sept. 27, Pasadena Oct. 4 and Houston Oct. 11.  Each event offers up to 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Full accreditation information and registration available through the buttons below.

Physician Faculty Job Opening at UNC COM

The University of Northern Colorado Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM) is seeking applications for a full-time faculty position in Pathology at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. The selected candidate will contribute to the development, assessment, and instruction of the preclinical curriculum in the osteopathic medical program.

Interested pathologists may access the full Vacancy Announcement at the link below.

https://unco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/644?c=unco

For additional information, please contact Ms. Jenn Beck at [email protected]

Do you have a position open at your practice? Space to sub-let? Selling your practice? Place a CMS Community Marketplace ad! Members receive the first month free. Contact [email protected] for more information!