What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to project physician shortages in the U.S. and inform policy adjustments post-ACA implementation.

March 3, 2011

Physician Workforce Projections in an Era of Health Care Reform

Key Points

This analysis aims to project physician shortages in the U.S. and inform policy adjustments post-ACA implementation.
Utilized real data and assumptions to project workforce supply and demand changes over time.
Assessed the effects of the Affordable Care Act on health insurance coverage and physician demand.
Projected a shortage of 45,400 primary care physicians and 46,100 medical specialists by 2020, totaling 91,500 shortfalls.
Emphasized the importance of addressing physician shortages to meet increased demand from newly insured Americans.

Abstract

In 2020, the United States may face shortages of 45,400 primary care physicians and 46,100 medical specialists-a total of 91,500 too few doctors. Unfortunately, health workforce shortages like these are being advanced as cause for repealing or "defunding" the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The extension of health insurance coverage to millions of Americans is a critical first step toward a healthier America. It would be a national failure to leave millions of Americans without health insurance coverage because they will generate additional demand. Rather, the solution is to find ways to meet that demand. Workforce projections utilizing real data and carefully formulated assumptions to assess how and why supply and demand change over time can greatly assist policy makers in finding those solutions. With implementation of the ACA under way, it is time to understand what lessons such projections can teach, and to begin to heed those lessons.

Physician Workforce Projections in an Era of Health Care Reform

Key Points

Abstract

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