Study finds physicians struggling to raise income

A recent study conducted by the Center for Studying Health System Change shows that physicians' salaries in 12 major US healthcare markets declined five percent from 1995 and 2000. Although salaries increased slightly in 2000, physicians are seeking new strategies to increase income, according to a Boston Globe report.

The study indicates that physicians are seeking to raise income by buying diagnostic equipment and offering patients test in their offices rather than referring to the hospital. In addition, the study shows that physicians are opening ambulatory surgery centers and enrolling patients in clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies to collect more fees, according to the article.