A question once considered rare and alarming may soon become a routine inquiry for millions of Americans: Is there a doctor in the house? As patients struggle to access healthcare, often facing long wait times and receiving lower-quality healthcare, physicians are also facing significant challenges. Due to inadequate reimbursement and a combination of other factors, physicians may be forced to stop providing care for Medicare patients, or worse, leave the healthcare profession altogether.  

With the release of the proposed 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) earlier this month, physicians are now facing a proposed cut to their reimbursement for the fifth consecutive year. Despite these consistent cuts, operational costs for physicians are increasing annually. Some might suggest that physicians raise their rates, but this is not a realistic solution. 

Physicians are confronted with rising operational costs, including higher wages for employees and increased costs for the products and services they need to provide care. Additionally, in an era where protecting personal information is crucial across all industries, physicians are now having to pay more for cybersecurity protection.  

To learn more about the variety of challenges facing physicians in this decade, tune in to the latest episode of Zotec Answers. For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, access our white paper, which examines the multifaceted issues within the U.S. healthcare system, highlights the burdens on physicians and patients, and explores the broader implications for the future of healthcare.