New Study: States Losing Physicians Faster Than New Graduates Can Supply

A new study by Flatworld Solutions reveals a concerning trend:some states are losing physicians faster than new graduates can supply, creating doctor deserts.

Many states, including Idaho and Mississippi, have less than 2 physicians per 100,000 residents, indicating gaps in healthcare access. This shortage affects the quality and availability of medical services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

These disparities highlight the urgent need for increased adoption of telehealth as a solution to ensure equitable healthcare distribution and effectively address the growing doctor deserts across the US.

Key Takeaways

• Massachusetts has the highest physician-to-population ratio, with more than 4 physicians per 1000 residents, followed by Maryland and New York. Idaho and Mississippi are the only 2 states with less than 2 doctors per 100’000 residents.
• Colorado and Arizona only have one graduate for 100 active physicians. Nebraska has one graduate for 17 active physicians.
• Despite being one of the states training the most graduates and above average salaries for physicians, Texas is in the bottom 10 of the states with the least physicians per capita.

Strong Disparities Between States

The study revealed significant variations in physician density across the different states. On top of the list, Massachusetts and Maryland have twice as many physicians per capita compared to Mississippi and Idaho, the two states with the lowest physician-to-population ratios. On average, the United States has 2.87 physicians per 1000 residents.

Some states with low physician-to-population ratios are dependent on other states to fill the gap, as they don't have independent medical schools. That's the case of Delaware, Idaho and Wyoming, all three ranking in the bottom 10 of physicians per capita. New York, Texas and California are the states with the most graduates. Per capita, it’s Vermont and Nebraska that produce the most graduates.

We found a low correlation between the number of graduates and the number of physicians per capita. We calculate the coefficient of physicians per graduate and here again, there are strong disparities between states.

Colorado and Arizona have 100 active physicians for every graduate. If those two states would try to replace their current workforce with only their own graduates, it would take them a hundred years. On the other end, it would take Nebraska, the state with the lowest physicians per graduate ratio, only 17 years to do so. Vermont and Louisiana are following in terms of physicians per graduate ratio.

Top 10 states with the least graduates compare to the number of active physicians

States that produce fewer graduates compared to their overall need for physicians, tend to also be using more telehealth options.

• Colorado has 100 active physicians for every graduate. 16% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• Arizona has 100 active physicians for every graduate. 16% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• California has 85 active physicians for every graduate. With 28% of eligible patients using telehealth options, California is the state with the strongest adoption of telehealth.
• Oregon has 79 active physicians for every graduate. 17% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• Washington has 64 active physicians for every graduate. 12% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• Hawaii has 63 active physicians for every graduate. 21% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• New Hampshire has 59 active physicians for every graduate. 17% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• New Mexico has 59 active physicians for every graduate. 16% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• Florida has 58 active physicians for every graduate. 13% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.
• Utah has 58 active physicians for every graduate. 15% of eligible patients are using telehealth options.

Texas is Losing Physician

Texas the second state with the most graduates is also in the bottom 10 of physicians per capita. Interestingly the Lone Star state struggles to retain physicians, despite also being one of the state that pay them the most.

Our study finds a correlation between average salaries and physician density. Contrary to expectations, states in the bottom 10 for physician density offered higher average salaries compared to those in the top 10. This disparity underscores the complex interplay between economic incentives and healthcare accessibility.

Moreover, the analysis uncovered a moderate to strong positive correlation between telehealth usage and physician density. Patients in states with a high physician-to-population ratio are more likely to use telehealth options. This suggests that states embracing telehealth technologies may witness even stronger improvements in healthcare access, potentially mitigating physician shortages. California is the state with the highest usage of telehealth, followed by Massachusetts, Hawaii and New York.

States with the lowest telehealth usage

• Texas has the lowest adoption rate for telehealth with only 4% of eligible patients using it.
• Mississippi sees only 7% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• Louisiana sees only 7% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• Nebraska sees only 7% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• North Dakota sees only 7% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• Alabama sees only 7% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• Iowa sees only 7% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• Tennessee sees only 8% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• South Dakota sees only 8% of patients utilizing telehealth services.
• Kansas sees only 8% of patients utilizing telehealth services.

This study underscores the multifaceted nature of disparities in medical coverage across U.S. states. Factors such as physician density, average salaries, telehealth usage, and educational infrastructure play crucial roles in shaping healthcare accessibility. Addressing these disparities requires a broad approach, encompassing policy interventions, educational initiatives, and technological advancements to ensure equitable healthcare provision for all citizens.

States ranked by active physicians per 100,000 residents