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Counting physicians: inconsistencies in a commonly used source for workforce analysis

Gary L Freed1, Tammie A Nahra, John R C Wheeler

  • 1Division of General Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 300 N. Ingalls Building 6E08, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0456, USA. gfreed@med.umich.edu

Academic Medicine : Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges
|August 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The AMA Masterfile inaccurately lists pediatric cardiologists, with many physicians lacking required training. This data discrepancy can lead to flawed healthcare policy decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Education
  • Health Policy

Background:

  • The accuracy of physician databases is crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
  • The American Medical Association (AMA) Masterfile is a widely used physician directory.
  • Verification of specialist credentials, such as pediatric cardiology training, is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy of the AMA Masterfile in identifying qualified pediatric cardiologists.
  • To compare the AMA Masterfile's physician data with records from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).

Main Methods:

  • A comparison was made between the AMA Masterfile and the ABP's roster of trained pediatric cardiologists.
  • Physicians on the AMA Masterfile without ABP verification underwent a mail survey.
  • Data collected included training details, practice focus, and procedures performed.

Main Results:

  • Only 58% of physicians were listed in both the AMA Masterfile and ABP records.
  • 28% of physicians were listed in the AMA Masterfile exclusively.
  • Of those exclusively on the AMA Masterfile, 40% reported providing no pediatric cardiology care, and training varied significantly among the rest.

Conclusions:

  • Significant discrepancies exist between the AMA Masterfile and ABP data regarding pediatric cardiologists.
  • A substantial number of physicians may be practicing pediatric cardiology with inadequate training.
  • Inaccurate physician data can result in ineffective or misaligned healthcare policies.
Abstract

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