Apr 26, 2022
As the physician shortage worsens, healthcare facilities are becoming more competitive with their employment offers. While higher salary and sign-on bonuses can attract more providers, some facilities don’t have the resources to offer providers more compensation. However, FQHCs have more in their recruiting toolbelt than they might think. After all, many physicians choose to work at community health centers. So, why do physicians choose to work for FQHCs and how can these facilities incorporate this into their recruiting strategy?
Financial Benefits Beyond Salary
Salary plays a significant role when providers choose a facility to work for. However, FQHCs can provide financial benefits that can surpass the salaries provided by other hospitals. Many FQHCs provide the following:
- Reimbursement for continuing education
- Student loan repayment packages
- License and DEA registration reimbursement
- Malpractice benefits with the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
- Life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement contributions
Extensive Skill Building Opportunities
Many factors contribute to the wide variety of cases seen at FQHCs. Patients at FQHCs typically present with chronic conditions that have gone untreated. This, combined with the fact that FQHCs receive fewer specialist referrals than other hospitals, means providers have the opportunity to treat conditions they may not see otherwise.
Providing Care to Underserved Communities
Ask a healthcare provider why they chose to pursue a career in medicine and many will talk about helping people and making a difference. At FQHCs, providers have a patient base of underserved, underinsured patients, as well as those who have Medicaid. Without access to regular, preventative care, these patients typically show up at an FQHC when they are facing a chronic condition that hasn’t been treated yet. Providers choose to work for FQHCs because it allows them to care for patients who may not otherwise receive any treatment.
Hiring Providers at Your FQHC
Since The Inline Group’s beginning, we’ve helped FQHCs with our Essential Platform. For a monthly fee that fits your recruiting budget, we’ll source and screen unlimited providers for your facility, with no placement fees. We take pride in helping FQHCs find providers to help their communities. Read more here about not just hiring providers at your FQHC, but also retaining them.