1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Hospitals Go Doctor Shopping To Help Bottom Line — 2 part series by Jenny Gold, Kaiser Health News. Edited by: Peggy Girshman, Kaiser Health News and Joe Neel, NPR.
Audio Entry Part 1
Audio Entry Part 2
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Oct. 13 & 14, 2010
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
One in six doctors works for a hospital, and the number is quickly growing. Both sides benefit: hospitals get a steady stream of patients and doctors say they can practice medicine without worrying about the hassles of running a private practice. Last year, half of new doctors were hired by hospitals, according to the Medical Group Management Association, a professional organization for physician practices. Several factors are driving the trend. For some doctors, the recession is making it more difficult to run a small business, with fewer patients coming in for care and others unable to pay their bills. This story, set in North Carolina, illustrates the national trend by talking to two physicians/sisters — one who would never leave private practice and the other who wouldn't think of having a private practice again. The reporter also talked with hospital administrators, health economists and a new physician who chose to work for hospital right after graduation.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
No FOI or public records act requests.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
The reporter called all over the country to find the perfect place to set this story. She called health economists, hospital experts and physician groups to find doctors and hospitals willing to tell their story.
6. Results (if any).
No.
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No correction or clarification.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Patience! Look for the best people to illustrate the story. Also, we're proud that the reporter did this story while other media focused on the politics of the new health law implementation; she illustrated a national trend that has already gone beyond politics and is most likely here to stay. She pursued this idea because it was different.