What increased the demand for EP physicians? An increasing amount of patients desire specialist care. Electrophysiologists, meanwhile, are already swamped with a prevailing incidence of atrial fibrillation, particularly among the senior population. Along with biventricular defibrillators and lesion reintervention therapy, a majority of cardiology patients are electrophysiology candidates.
“When recruiting EPs,” advised Mr. Broxterman, COO of Pinnacle Health Group, “A well-planned initiative is important. As competition for a relatively small pool of EPs increases, more and more hospitals — even community facilities and clinics — are compelled to get creative. Hospitals will often invest in the program first before hiring another EP, allowing more time for the practice to develop. And when they finally recruit one, they offer higher compensation, signing bonuses, student loan repayments and other incentives. It only shows the value of these doctors to their communities.”