Residency

News and briefs: Number of slots for residents could significantly decrease

Residency Program Connection, October 25, 2011

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There would be 22,000 fewer positions for resident s and 1,750 fewer training programs if the government cuts 50% of Indirect GME Reimbursement payments, according to a survey conducted by the ACGME.


As the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction looks to reduce federal spending over the next 10 years, one line item it has its eyes on is Medicare reimbursement for GME. According to the ACGME, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has indicated that 50% of the indirect reimbursement is not “empirically justified.”


The ACGME survey asked designated institutional officials how federal funding would affect their institutions’ programs and positions. They were given three different funding scenarios: level funding, reduction by 33%, and reduction by 50%.


If funding from the government remains the same, 61% or respondents would keep the same number of core and subspecialty positions. As for programs, 77% would keep the same number of core programs and 62% would sponsor the same number of subspecialty programs.  If the government reduces funding by 33%, 68% of respondents would slightly or significantly reduce the number of core residency positions and 60% would reduce the number of subspecialty positions. At a 50% funding reduction, 82% would slightly or significantly reduce the number of core positions and 76% would reduce the number of subspecialty ones.


The ACGME used survey results to estimate how many positions and programs would be lost among survey respondents’ institutions. With a 33% reduction there would be 1,136 fewer programs and 13,662 fewer positions. For a 50% reduction, it would be 1,749 fewer programs and 22,411 fewer positions. At least 12 states would lose more than 500 positions. To read more survey results, click here.
 



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