AMA cost analysis examines primary care physician turnover

The bottom line

The AMA's own cost framing puts each physician departure at $500,000 to over $1 million once recruitment, bonuses, lost billings, and onboarding are counted — numbers that make almost any credible retention program look inexpensive. Leaders can use this range to anchor ROI conversations with administrators. As a press-release summary of primary-care analysis, it is a communication tool, not primary evidence.

What the source found

AMA press release summarizing cost-of-turnover analysis; estimates physician turnover including recruitment, sign-on bonuses, lost billings, and onboarding at $500,000 to more than $1 million per departure.

Limitations and applicability

Press release; secondary summary of underlying cost study; not primary research; primary care focus.

Population and setting

U.S. physicians (primary care focus)

Used in FairShare guides

• The Real Cost of Losing an Anesthesiologist: What the Data Says

About this evidence

Research question / practical issue

How does this source inform Retention and the Anesthesia Workforce for the population it studied?

Study design, evidence tier, and source class

Society Press Release · context source · evidence tier 3

Source type: Society Press Release · context · Evidence tier 3

Topics: Retention and the Anesthesia Workforce

Audience: Department Leaders