Office-based Physicians Support 4M Jobs, Says AMA

Office-based physicians contributed $1.4 trillion in economic activity and supported four million jobs nationwide, according to a state-by-state study from the American Medical Association.

The findings show the economic impact of office-based physicians as measured through sales revenue, jobs, wages and benefits, and tax revenue. The report provides information on the economic impact of office-based physicians in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The median state supported $10.3 billion in economic activity and supported more than 46,400 jobs in 2009. 

“Although physicians are primarily focused on providing excellent patient care, physician offices and the jobs and revenue they produce are significant contributors to national and state economies,” said AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD. “This study illustrates that office-based physicians contribute to both the health of their patients and also to the economic health of their communities.”

When compared to other industries, office-based physicians almost always contribute more to state economies than each of the following: hospital, legal, nursing home and home health, the study says.

The full report may be viewed here.