New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

Navigating the Future: Addressing the Physician Shortage at Euronet Worldwide

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical insurance, vision, and dental coverage, with additional support for parents coverage. ACA planning is recommended for employees and retirees, especially in light of potential subsidy expirations and premium hikes Click here to learn more

'With the looming physician shortage and the wave of retirements, it's critical for Euronet Worldwide companies to consider innovative workforce solutions, including leveraging technology and expanding educational opportunities, to ensure the stability and efficiency of healthcare systems in the years ahead.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'To address the physician shortage and aging workforce, Euronet Worldwide companies must prioritize strategic workforce planning and the integration of advanced technologies, ensuring that healthcare systems remain resilient and capable of meeting future demands.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The demographic challenges and physician shortages facing the healthcare industry.
The role of technology and education reforms in addressing workforce gaps.
The economic, social, and cultural dynamics reshaping healthcare employment.

As Euronet Worldwide medical workforce nears retirement, a looming crisis threatens the stability of healthcare systems, exacerbated by an anticipated physician shortage. This pressing issue has become urgent as an aging population demands more frequent and sophisticated healthcare services.

Demographic Challenges and Rising Demand for Healthcare Professionals

By 2036, the elderly population in the United States is projected to increase significantly, with those aged 65 and older expected to rise by 34.1%, and those 75 and older by 54.7%. This demographic shift is set to dramatically expand the demand for healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions and surgical interventions. As the first generation to face such a stark shortage of physicians, Baby Boomers are likely to experience unprecedented pressures on healthcare systems. This year alone, a shortfall of 57,259 doctors has been projected, with expectations of this gap widening to 81,180 by 2035.

The Retirement Cliff in Healthcare

Currently, 20% of physicians are aged 65 or older, and more than 30% of all practicing doctors are at least 60. Certain specialties, such as pulmonology, have an even greater proportion of older practitioners, with 73% aged 55 and above. Systems like AdventHealth have implemented strategies to manage this aging workforce, including part-time roles and mentorship opportunities to uphold skills and competency.

Adapting Through Technology and Educational Reforms

Despite efforts to adapt, challenges persist, partly due to a constrained educational pipeline. Federal funding limits set by the 1997 Balanced Budget Act have severely restricted the growth of new physicians by capping Medicare funding for residency training. To address the growing demand, health systems are increasingly turning to technology like telemedicine and AI to streamline processes and extend the reach of current staff. The role of advanced practice providers, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, has become crucial in managing less critical cases.

Economic and Social Dynamics in Healthcare

Inflation-adjusted health spending per person has increased from $2,151 in 1970 to $14,570 in 2023. This economic burden is compounded by an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and the corresponding use of multiple prescription medications. The field is also grappling with evolving expectations around work-life balance, significantly impacting the career choices of medical professionals.

Cultural Shifts and Strategic Responses

The healthcare sector has witnessed a cultural shift away from the autonomy traditionally enjoyed by physicians, moving towards more structured organizational employment. This change has left many practitioners feeling less satisfied, noting increased regulatory oversight and corporatization, as highlighted by Dr. Peter Grape's reflections on his career in cardiology.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Engagement

To navigate these challenges, leaders in the field recommend incremental changes to improve working conditions and boost the appeal of the medical profession. Embracing technological innovations, expanding training opportunities, and reevaluating organizational cultures are seen as critical steps toward sustaining healthcare delivery.

In summary, the healthcare system stands at a critical juncture. The combination of an aging population and a wave of retiring physicians could severely impact the system unless proactive, thoughtful changes are made. The early retirement trend among senior physicians, accelerated by pandemic-induced burnout, underscores the urgency of strategic reforms to maintain a capable healthcare workforce.

This comprehensive examination highlights the pressing challenges and potential strategies for sustaining healthcare excellence at Euronet Worldwide, emphasizing the need for strategic foresight and innovative solutions to maintain the continued well-being of its workforce and the broader community.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Source:

1. Boyle, Patrick. 'Aging Patients and Doctors Drive Nation’s Physician Shortage.' Association of American Medical Colleges , 11 June 2021, www.aamc.org/news-insights/aging-patients-and-doctors-drive-nation-s-physician-shortage .

2. 'Health Care Workforce Shortages.' NIHCM Foundation , Oct. 2024, nihcm.org/publications/health-care-workforce-shortages.

3. Robeznieks, Andis. 'Doctor Shortages Are Here—And They’ll Get Worse if We Don’t Act Fast.' American Medical Association , 13 Apr. 2022, www.ama-assn.org/about/reports-studies/doctor-shortages-are-here-and-theyll-get-worse-if-we-dont-act-fast .

4. 'America’s Aging Population Is Leading to a Doctor Shortage Crisis.' CNBC , 10 May 2022, www.cnbc.com/2022/05/10/americas-aging-population-is-leading-to-a-doctor-shortage-crisis.html .

5. 'Aging Short Version.' University at Albany, SUNY , www.albany.edu/sph/cphce/phl_0214.shtml .

What type of retirement savings plan does Euronet Worldwide offer to its employees?

Euronet Worldwide offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Euronet Worldwide enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Euronet Worldwide can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Euronet Worldwide match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Euronet Worldwide?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Euronet Worldwide is in line with the IRS limits, which may change annually.

Are there any vesting requirements for the employer match in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which employees should review in the plan documents.

Can employees of Euronet Worldwide take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s rules and regulations.

What investment options are available in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles, which employees can choose from.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in Euronet Worldwide’s 401(k) plan?

Employees at Euronet Worldwide can change their contribution amounts on a regular basis, typically during open enrollment or at any time as permitted by the plan.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Euronet Worldwide?

If an employee leaves Euronet Worldwide, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the Euronet Worldwide plan, if allowed.

Does Euronet Worldwide provide any educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Euronet Worldwide provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Euronet Worldwide offers a Defined Contribution Plan known as the Euronet Worldwide Inc 401(k) Plan. This plan allows employees to contribute pre-tax or after-tax funds towards their retirement, with both employer and employee contributions possible. The plan includes investment options such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Savings Plans, and Profit Sharing Plans. Contributions are maintained in individual accounts for employees, and an alternate payee can be assigned a portion of an account balance through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This plan's flexibility in allowing transfers to tax-qualified accounts like IRAs helps avoid early withdrawal penalties. As of 2022, the plan had total assets amounting to $52,116,351 (QDRO Desk). Eligibility for the plan typically requires one year of service and reaching the age of 21, similar to standard 401(k) plans. However, the employer match rate, vesting schedules, and specific conditions for the plan vary annually. For 2022 through 2024, the employer match is expected to remain around 3%, which is aligned with industry standards (

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Euronet Worldwide announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining its operations. This plan included layoffs primarily affecting its technology and administrative divisions. The company cited the need to improve efficiency and adapt to changing market conditions as key reasons for these changes. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability and operational agility in a competitive landscape. This news is particularly relevant given the current economic climate, which demands organizations to continuously optimize their operations to maintain financial stability and growth.

Euronet Worldwide offers stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees. The company's stock options are typically granted based on performance and tenure. Euronet Worldwide RSUs are generally provided as part of executive compensation packages and are vested over a specified period.

Healthcare Trends: There is no specific industry news that indicates substantial changes to Euronet Worldwide’s healthcare benefits. However, like many companies, they are likely adapting to broader industry trends such as increased focus on mental health support and telemedicine options. Key Healthcare-Related Terms and Acronyms