MGMA survey: Primary care physicians report pay increase in 2009

By Kate McCann

Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and primary care physician assistants experienced an increase in their compensation in 2009 while some specialists saw flat or slightly decreased payment. This comes from the latest Physician Compensation and Production Survey from the Medical Group Management Association. The 2010 survey uses data from 2009.

Physicians in primary care specialties earned an average of 2.8 percent more in 2009, with internal medicine physicians receiving the biggest bump in this group. Internal medicine physicians earned an average income of $197,000, increasing 3.08 percent this year. Physicians in pediatric/adolescent medicine had the second-highest growth of primary care, earning an average $191,400 and increasing 2.55 percent. Family physicians who do not practice obstetrics earned an average income of about $184,000, an increase of 2.41 percent in 2009. This is a 14.48 percent increase from 2005. Accounting for inflation, family physicians’ incomes increased an average of 2.77 percent in 2009 and 4.21 percent from 2005.

“Despite a convergence of economic factors, employers’ and payers’ increased commitment to preserve the ability of primary care physicians to do their important work has allowed their compensation to keep pace with inflation,” said William F. Jessee, M.D., F.A.C.M.P.E., president and CEO of MGMA, in a press release. “However, the continued threat of cuts to Medicare payments and its impact on private insurance reimbursement to all physicians impedes practices’ ability to deliver quality care to an ever-expanding patient population.”

Nurse practitioners earned an average $85,700, increasing 4.87 percent in 2009 and 21.9 percent since 2005. Physician assistants in primary care earned an average $89,000, up 1.75 percent in 2009 and 17.83 percent since 2005.

Physicians in obstetrics/gynecology and invasive cardiology were among the specialists who reported flat or declining incomes. OB-GYNs earned an average $282,600, declining 1.11 percent, and invasive cardiologists earned an average $481,878, down 0.20 percent.

The largest percent growth in compensation went to dermatologists, who earned an average of $413,600, a 12.28 percent increase. Dermatologists’ incomes have increased 23.75 percent since 2005, which MGMA attributes to dermatologists’ ability to offer elective procedures not covered by insurance and collect the full fee at the time of service, as well as an increased demand for these services. Similarly, ophthalmologists experienced a 7.7 percent increase in 2009, which could be attributed to the increasing popularity of laser refractive surgery and other non-covered services.

To purchase the report or view a synopsis, go to www.mgma.com.