AMA Report Finds Physicians Support Millions of Jobs, More Than a Trillion Dollars in Economic Activity

Study provides snapshot of the economic impact of office-based physicians at state and national level

CHICAGO, March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report released by the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that office-based physicians play a vital role in national and state economies by supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services and generating tax revenue.  In 2009, office-based physicians contributed $1.4 trillion in economic activity and supported 4 million jobs nationwide.

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"Although physicians are primarily focused on providing excellent patient care, physician offices and the jobs and revenue they produce are significant contributors to national and state economies," said AMA President Cecil B. Wilson. "This study illustrates that office-based physicians contribute to both the health of their patients and also to the economic health of their communities."

The study found that, in comparison to other industries, office-based physicians almost always contribute more to state economies than each of the following: hospital, legal, nursing home and home health.

The findings show the economic impact of office-based physicians as measured through sales revenue, jobs, wages and benefits and tax revenue.  The report provides information on the economic impact of office-based physicians in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The median state supported $10.3 billion in economic activity and supported more than 46,400 jobs in 2009.  

To view the full report, please visit www.ama-assn.org/go/eis .

About the American Medical Association (AMA)

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional, public health and health policy issues. The nation's largest physician organization plays a leading role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.

SOURCE American Medical Association