Critical reading – growth of healthcare managers vs. physicians Data given: practicing physicians +20% over six years; healthcare managers +600% over the same period. Result: many doctors lost authority over schedules, fees, and treatments. What statement is best supported?

Introduction / Context:
This question measures your ability to connect statistics with a stated consequence. The passage links a surge in healthcare managers with physicians losing control over key professional decisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Physicians increased ~20%.
• Healthcare managers increased >600%.
• Many doctors lost authority to set schedules, fees, and treatments.

Concept / Approach:
“Losing authority” implies reduced independence. Select the option that restates that effect without adding motive or unrelated claims.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the explicit effect: loss of control.Map to answer language: “less independent than they used to be.”Eliminate emotive or extraneous claims (resentment, training, patient concern, income).

Verification / Alternative check:
If you cannot set your schedule, fees, or treatments, your professional independence has decreased; this is tautologically aligned with the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Resentment is not stated.
• Training and compassion are not discussed.
• Income effects are not provided.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing causation details with the supported conclusion; the question asks what is supported, not why it occurred.

Final Answer:
are less independent than they used to be.