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The HSM Group, Ltd.
2003 Press Releases

June 25, 2003
Jim Hendrix, Vice President of Research
Sheryl Bronkesh, President
The HSM Group
800-776-8078 or (480) 947-8078
www.hsmgroup.com

Hospitalists are Changing the Role of PCPs with Patients and Hospitals

When hospitalists come into an area, how do they change the relationships between primary care physicians (PCPs) and their patients and between PCPs and hospitals? The HSM Group, Ltd., a Scottsdale, Arizona-based research and consulting group, recently completed a study that asked that question and several others.

Sheryl Bronkesh, HSM president, says, "We were interested in learning how hospitalists, a fairly new specialty, change the dynamics between hospitals and primary care physicians, and between primary care physicians and their patients."

The role of the hospitalist is not yet firmly established in U.S. healthcare. Approximately 20% of PCPs surveyed do not have hospitalists available in their area. For those who do, almost half (45%) said that hospitalists have not changed hospital care of their patients. Just over one-third (37%) noted that hospitalists have enhanced their practice, and about one in seven (16%) feel that hospitalists have negatively impacted their practice."

Of those PCPs who felt that hospitalists have had an effect on their patient relationships, more than twice as many physicians believe hospitalists have negatively affected patient relationships than those who believe hospitalists have positively affected patient relationships.

How does the hospitalist influence the income of the PCP? In the HSM study, titled "What America's Doctors are Saying," just over half have not experienced a change in practice revenues, while over 30% have seen practice revenue decrease. About 7% have experienced enhanced revenues as a result of the hospitalist role. About one-fifth believe care to be more efficient with the use of hospitalists, but much less personal. How is the physician-patient relationship affected by the presence of the hospitalist? About one-quarter of PCPs surveyed report that they don't visit patients who are in the hospital and under the care of a specialist or hospitalist. Nearly one-third of all primary care doctors still visit patients on a daily basis, even if the patient is under the care of a specialist or hospitalist. Male physicians are more likely to visit patients daily, while female physicians are more apt to visit selected patients only. Western physicians are more likely to visit selected patients and less likely to see patients daily than the doctors in the East and Midwest.

Despite the changes in their work with hospitals, most PCPs continue to seek ways to stay connected to the hospital. Very few physicians (6.4%) express no need or desire to stay connected to the hospital.

Two-thirds of PCPs still admit patients, although a greater number (85%) report holding admitting privileges. Physicians stay connected through contact with specialists and CME or other educational forums. One physician noted it was "almost impossible to stay connected." Several also noted involvement through a variety of medical staff activities.

"What America's Doctors are Saying" is a study developed and conducted by The HSM Group, Ltd, via the iPhysicianNet (iPNI) database of 8,000 of America's busiest doctors. The iPNI system, which is Internet-based, provides ready access to the physicians' opinions.

"Doctors are busier than ever, so learning their opinions in a timely, cost-efficient manner is a challenge," says Bronkesh. "However, we can now quickly gather accurate information about specific medically-related topics. This data was collected from 408 physicians within 48 hours using the iPNI system."

"What America's Doctors are Saying" reveals physicians' thoughts on other topics, including their own health care (many doctors admitted they don't always follow their own advice about diet and exercise, with 10 percent saying they don't get regular medical attention for themselves), prescription drug costs, smallpox vaccination, practice incomes, electronic appointments and the Internet. The entire study can be found on The HSM Group's Web site at www.hsmgroup.com or by calling 800-776-8078.

iPhysicianNet created the e-detailing space, and is unique in providing live, face-to-face, interactive video detailing. The system utilizes a network of video conferencing equipped personal computers operating through high-speed telecommunications lines to provide physicians with access to live interactions with pharmaceutical companies, the Internet, e-mail, medical news and references, and continuing medical education resources. Formed in 1996, the company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., with a Sales and Service satellite office located in Princeton, N.J. For more information, visit www.iPhysicianNet.com.

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