Lawmakers Hear Grim Outlook From Private Practice Physicians on Rising Costs

Almost 90 percent of medical groups reported an increase in operational costs in 2023.

A person walks past an emergency entrance sign at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, on Sept. 22, 2020. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Lawmakers heard testimony on May 23 from medical professionals about the strain on private practice physicians, which is causing a decrease in the quality of care for many Americans.

Both the chairman and ranking member of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee voiced their concerns about the declining number of private practices. The chair, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), pointed to statistics showing that overall cost increases were stifling doctors.