6 Healthcare Insights from Q4 2025 and What They Mean for You

Physician practices are closing out 2025 with steadier patient volumes, a more predictable labor market, and renewed interest in remote patient monitoring. While staffing challenges remain, they are less disruptive than in previous years.

Here are six trends worth watching as you prepare for 2026.

1. Physician job postings continue to stabilize

The surge in physician and surgeon job postings during 2021–2022 has fully cooled. Today, postings in both the national labor market and physician-specific roles are steady, with little year-over-year growth, signaling a more predictable labor market for clinical roles.

Indeed.com Job Postings for Physicians and Surgeons

Key takeaway: Recruiting timelines are now more reliable, reducing surprises for practices when filling positions. While competitive offers are still significant, the hectic bidding wars are no longer present.

2. Wage growth is rising for physicians’ offices

Wages for clinical staff in physicians’ offices remain more volatile than in other sectors, even as overall wage growth slows. The long-term trend still indicates slightly higher increases in clinical roles than in non-healthcare jobs.

Wage Growth

Key takeaway: Plan for payroll increases. To attract and retain talent, focus on total compensation, such as flexible schedules, CME support, and professional development, instead of relying solely on higher base pay.

3. Google searches for primary care are trending upwards

Interest in finding primary care providers online is gradually recovering after a period of decline. Search activity for “primary care near me” is slowly increasing, although volumes remain below the highs seen during the pandemic.

Google Trends: “Primary Care Near Me”

Key takeaway: Patients are no longer aggressively seeking new providers online, but retention remains critical. Focusing on patient experience, referral programs, and consistent follow-up is more valuable than heavy digital advertising.

4. Patient visits remain strong and steady

The number of patient visits per provider (excluding flu cases) continues a decade-long upward trend. Despite seasonal dips, the 12-month moving average shows significant growth since 2021, indicating a consistent rise in patient attendance.

Patient Visits

Key takeaway: Consistent demand enables operational improvements. Now is the time to refine scheduling, adjust support staff ratios, and consider how mid-level providers can free up physician time.

5. Employment in physicians’ offices is showing promising growth

Employment growth in physician practices has fully recovered from the significant decline seen in 2020–2021. Year-over-year job growth has now aligned with its long-term historical range of approximately 2% to 3%, marking a return to pre-pandemic stability.

Employees – Physicians’ Offices

Key takeaway: The staffing environment is now healthier and more predictable. Implementing retention strategies such as career paths, mentorship, and a strong culture will help practices stand out as the market stabilizes.

6. Interest in remote patient monitoring is picking up again

Search interest in remote patient monitoring is on the rise once again, highlighting its increasing importance in healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Key takeaway: It’s a good time to review your technology strategy. When implemented effectively, remote monitoring can enhance patient outcomes and increase billable services.

Disclosures

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