Ob/Gyn Doctors: Independent vs. Employed – Which is Better?

There are roughly 40,000 Obstetricians & Gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) in the United States. Like most physicians today, the majority have shifted away from private practice, with 78% now employed by hospital systems, insurance companies, or private equity-backed groups.

Financially, employed Ob/Gyns make about $361,000 per year on average, compared with $323,000 for independent Ob/Gyns. But money isn’t the whole story. Many employed physicians express dissatisfaction with their work environment. Twenty-one percent are unhappy with their work hours, sixteen percent with their employer’s rules, and fourteen percent with the electronic medical record systems they are required to use.

Patients often prefer independent Ob/Gyns, with surveys showing higher satisfaction scores compared to employed counterparts. Independence allows for greater flexibility, personalized care, and stronger patient relationships.

For those wanting to remain independent, Meroka partners with Ob/Gyn practices to grow revenue, control costs, and empower physicians to deliver exceptional care without sacrificing autonomy.