Do doctors HAVE to see a certain number of patients per day?

Question

I belong to a Yahoo group of pumping moms (PumpMoms) and several of the members are doctors who are trying to figure out how to fit pumping in their busy schedules. Several times I've seen them say they HAVE to see a lot of patients in a day and it puzzles me. Why can't they simply reduce the number of patients they see in a day? Is this an insurance issue? Is it just a matter of poor scheduling? I know doctors work long hours, but this seems absurd that they can't even take breaks to pump!

Answer 1

Medicine is generally piece work. That is, each patient brings in a certain amount of income to the practice. Overhead expenses are mostly fixed, though some aren't, and may be 40% of the practice's income. So cutting back 20% on the practice income translates into cutting back almost 40% on personal income.

Answer 2

They need to do enough work to get paid decently. Its as simple as that.

Answer 3

Most doctors are work in group practices or in hospitals and have contractual obligations. However, I am sure your doctor mom friends should be able to find some accommodation with their employers so that they can find time to pump.

Answer 4

The less you work, the less money you make !  They have to pay off their student loans, their nurses, mortgage, rent, other salaries, etc.

Answer 5

In answer to your question NO, Doctors do not HAVE to see a certain number of patients if they have their own practice, just enough to pay for everything (gas, electric, water, equipment,supplies,etc) but if a Doctor is in with another Doctor or in a clinic or whatever they usually have to see a certain number of patients. My GP has his own practice but with bills and insurance and such they schedule 3 patients at a time for the very same time and I usually end up waiting an hour past my appointment time to see the Doctor. I am so tired of it I am looking for another GP. He never works on Friday and I think if he needs to see that many patients a day to make enough money to pay for everything then he should work on Friday and not make all his patients wait an hour past their appointment time to see him.