More are not willing to take the risks of specialty call in the ER. So hospitals are starting to show them the money:

Until recently, specialists accepted on-call shifts in return for admitting privileges. But many now expect to be compensated for keeping their beepers on during nights and weekends. The change in the relationship between specialists and hospitals is being debated in the medical community, with some doctors viewing it as a betrayal of long-held values.

“Most of the older physicians felt it was their responsibility to do this. New physicians don’t see it that way,” said Dr. Kenneth Peelle , president of the Massachusetts Medical Society . “I think it’s unfortunate that we have gone in this direction.