As of January 2026, only 18% of physicians in the United States still own their practices. That means more than four out of five physicians now work within hospital systems, health networks, or other consolidated healthcare organizations.
For years, independent physicians have faced increasing pressure to sell, merge, or join larger entities. Acquisition offers arrive regularly. Hospital employment opportunities promise stability. Private equity firms continue investing heavily across multiple specialties.
Yet 18% remain. And that number, small as it may seem, represents thousands of physicians who continue to choose independence despite the challenges.
"18% is a small number. But it's not zero. And the individuals helping shape its future are worth recognizing."
— ModuleMD, Physician Independence Report 2026
The Reality Facing Independent Physician Practices
The healthcare landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Independent practices are expected to deliver high-quality patient care while managing increasing administrative and financial responsibilities.
Regulatory burden remains a major concern. Industry surveys show that many physicians believe administrative requirements continue to rise each year. At the same time, reimbursement has not kept pace with increasing costs. Rising labor costs, ongoing technology expenses, cybersecurity demands, and inflation are creating new financial challenges for medical practices.
Can independent medicine survive in today's healthcare environment? Thousands of physicians say yes — and they're proving it every day.
Why Some Physicians Continue to Say No
Despite the obstacles, thousands of physicians continue to reject acquisition offers, hospital employment opportunities, and private equity partnerships. Because for many, independence represents something larger than ownership.
It represents autonomy.
The Challenges Independent Physicians Worry About Most
While physician burnout remains a significant concern, many independent practice owners point to other issues with more immediate operational impact:
These challenges affect everything from patient access and scheduling efficiency to financial performance and long-term sustainability. Yet many physicians continue to view these obstacles as problems to solve, not reasons to abandon independence.
What Independent Practices Can Offer
The conversation around healthcare consolidation often focuses on economics. But for many physicians, the decision to remain independent is deeply connected to how they want to practice medicine.
For patients, this can translate into continuity of care and stronger physician-patient relationships. For physicians, it can mean preserving the professional independence that inspired many of them to enter medicine in the first place.
Technology Is Helping Independent Practices Compete
While independent medicine faces undeniable challenges, technology is creating new opportunities for physician-owned practices. Modern healthcare technology can help reduce administrative burden, improve operational efficiency, and support financial sustainability.
The goal is not simply to do more, but to work smarter. By reducing time spent on administrative tasks, practices can focus more resources on patient care and strategic growth.
- Integrated EHR & practice management
- Workflow automation tools
- Analytics and reporting capabilities
- Revenue cycle management solutions
- Patient engagement technologies
- Prior authorization & documentation efficiencies
The Future of Independent Medicine
Healthcare consolidation is likely to continue in the years ahead. However, independent physician practices are unlikely to disappear entirely.
For physicians who choose to remain independent, success increasingly depends on operational efficiency, financial stability, and a strong technology foundation. They're not ignoring the realities of modern healthcare — they're adapting to them.
Is a Small Number. But It's Not Zero.
The story of independent medicine is about autonomy, patient relationships, and community-focused care — worth protecting.
They're not doing it because it's easy. They're doing it because they believe the alternative is worse. As healthcare continues to evolve, the remaining independent physicians offer an important reminder: physician ownership may be less common than it once was, but it remains a powerful model for delivering patient-centered care.
See how ModuleMD helps independent practices reduce administrative burden while maintaining the autonomy that matters most.
