Physician employment brings the potential for physician labor unions

Hospital employment for physicians could result in the creation of labor unions, since an employed status allows for the right to collective bargaining, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal. Although historically physicians have practices alone or in small groups, changes to legislations and reimbursement policies in recent years have led many physicians to seek employment within health systems or larger physician groups. In 2012, nearly 50% of all physicians were already employed by larger healthcare entities, with that percentage predicted to grow to 80% within the next two or three years.

The article also notes that physicians currently in training have indicated that they are more interested in quality of life and regular hours rather than higher income obtained through private practice. The formation of labor unions among physicians could potentially lead to physician strikes, which the article cites as a “key lever in collective bargaining.” Physicians in labor unions would likely use collective bargaining to negotiate compensation, staffing, and benefits.