A new MGMA report shows that regulatory burden has reached near-universal levels, with 95% of practices reporting increased strain—driven largely by Medicare Advantage requirements, prior authorizations, and audits.
What stands out is how deeply administrative work is reshaping clinical operations. Many practices now employ multiple full-time staff per physician just to manage approvals, denials, and reporting requirements. As Medicare Advantage penetration grows, so does the operational friction—raising questions about long-term sustainability and whether some practices may opt out altogether.
The downstream impact is no longer theoretical. Rising administrative load is directly contributing to physician burnout, reduced patient access, and shorter visit times—turning regulatory complexity into a frontline care issue rather than a back-office problem.