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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers. Click any question below to expand.

📊 How accurate is the salary and compensation data?

Our salary data is sourced from MGMA Physician Compensation Surveys and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which are updated annually and represent thousands of physicians nationwide.

However: Individual offers vary significantly based on experience, location, board certification, loan repayment status, and negotiation. Always verify employer-specific compensation with HR before accepting an offer.

We recommend: Use Attending Compass to compare and prioritize offers, not as the sole basis for your decision. Real negotiation power comes from having multiple offers.

🔄 How often is the data updated?

We maintain a continuous update schedule:

  • Salary data: Updated annually when MGMA and BLS release new surveys
  • Loan repayment programs: Updated when federal policy changes (NHSC, PSLF, NRSA)
  • Employer data: Verified semi-annually through public job postings and interviews
  • EMR and benefits data: Updated as employers report changes

If you notice outdated information, please email us at attending@attendingcompass.com or report it on GitHub.

🔍 Where does the data come from?

All data is sourced from verified, authoritative sources:

  • MGMA Compensation Surveys — Physician salaries and benefits benchmarks
  • BLS Occupational Employment — National family medicine statistics
  • HRSA Data Warehouse — Primary care HPSA scores and loan eligibility
  • AAMC — Loan forgiveness programs (PSLF, NRSA, NHSC)
  • Public employer postings: Job boards, hospital websites, residency program affiliations
  • Interviews: De-identified conversations with FM physicians currently employed

Nothing is proprietary or hidden. Every data point is traceable to a named source.

⚠️ Is this data guaranteed to be accurate?

No. Attending Compass is a research and planning tool, not an official employer database. We work hard to verify accuracy, but:

  • Employers change compensation, benefits, and policies frequently
  • Data is updated on a schedule; real-time accuracy is not guaranteed
  • Individual offers always depend on personal factors (experience, board cert, negotiation)

Always verify directly with employers before making decisions. Use Attending Compass as a research starting point, not a definitive source.

💼 Are you affiliated with any employer or organization?

No. Attending Compass is an independent project.

We do not accept sponsorship, advertising revenue, or preferential placement fees from employers. We are committed to unbiased, transparent data that serves family medicine residents—not employer interests.

If you ever see biased data or preferential ranking, please report it immediately at GitHub Issues.

🔒 Is my information private? Where is my data stored?

Your comparison data is private by default. Here's how:

  • Without sign-in: All scores and notes stay in your browser. We see nothing.
  • With sign-in: Your data is encrypted and stored securely. Only you can access it.
  • We never sell data to employers, recruiters, or third parties
  • We never share your comparisons with anyone without explicit permission

Read our full Privacy Policy for details.

👤 Do I need to sign in to use this tool?

No, sign-in is optional.

  • Without sign-in: Full access to all comparison features. Your data stays local in your browser.
  • With sign-in: Same features, plus your comparisons are saved to the cloud so you can access them on other devices.

Sign-in uses Google or Microsoft OAuth (no password stored by us). You control whether to save your data cloud.

💻 How current is the EMR and technology information?

EMR systems are updated frequently by vendors. Our guides (e.g., Epic vs. Cerner comparison) are maintained annually, but individual installations vary.

At interview, always ask:

  • What is your current EMR version? When was it last upgraded?
  • Do you use mobile charting or office-only access?
  • What is the average note-writing time per patient?
  • How satisfied are current physicians with the EMR?

💰 Are the loan repayment programs up to date?

As of May 2026, yes. We track PSLF, NHSC LRP, NRSA LRAP, and state programs. However, federal policy changes frequently (election cycles, budget votes, etc.).

Always verify before signing a contract:

🚨 I think your data is biased or wrong about an employer. What do I do?

Please report it. We take accuracy seriously and will investigate and correct any inaccuracies or bias.

How to report:

If you work at an employer and have corrections: We'll verify with HR and update within 7 days if accurate.

📍 How is cost of living calculated?

Cost of living varies significantly by region. Attending Compass uses:

  • Housing costs (median home prices, rent)
  • Groceries & dining
  • Transportation (car/transit)
  • Childcare (if applicable)
  • State/local taxes

Our calculator shows "Phoenix equivalent salary" — what your offer is worth in purchasing power if you were making the same in Phoenix.

Use this to compare across metros fairly (e.g., $180K in Manhattan ≈ $130K in Phoenix).

🎯 Can this tool help me prepare for interviews?

Absolutely. Use Attending Compass to:

  • Research employers before interviews (compensation, benefits, call burden)
  • Identify red flags (high turnover, poor loan repayment support, outdated EMR)
  • Prepare questions based on your priorities (e.g., "How do current FM physicians rate the EMR?")
  • Compare offers after interviews to make the best decision

See our blog guides for interview prep and negotiation tactics.

💡 Can I request a new feature or employer?

Yes! Please reach out.

Popular requests include: new employers, more states, telehealth options, CME tracking, and burnout risk assessment.

📱 Can I use this on mobile/tablet?

Yes. Attending Compass is fully responsive and works on all devices.

Desktop is recommended for side-by-side employer comparisons, but mobile works well for quick research and reviewing your saved profiles.

Still have questions?

Email us at attending@attendingcompass.com or open an issue on GitHub.