The Need
The United States is facing a major shortage of physicians that threatens access to care for millions. According to recent data, the country could see a shortfall of 86,000 doctors by 2036. This shortage is not only a concern for the future. It is already impacting hospitals and clinics, driving up wait times, increasing provider burnout, and straining resources.
Geographic Disparities: Urban vs. Rural
Physician shortages are not distributed evenly. Rural areas are disproportionately underserved. Currently 10% of physicians are serving nearly 20% of the U.S. population. More than half of U.S. counties lack essential specialist like OB/GYNs and psychiatrist. Urban areas, while often having better resources, still face shortages in certain neighborhoods due to socioeconomic barriers and facility closures.
- Rural hospitals are closing at a high rate, leaving communities with little or no access to medical treatment.
- The median age in rural America is higher, increasing demand for care.
- Urban “healthcare deserts” exist where provider shortages and barriers to care exist despite proximity to healthcare facilities.
Specialty-Specific Shortages
Primary care
Primary care is the foundation of the healthcare system. However, it faces some of the most acute shortages. Currently there is a projected shortage of over 87,000 full-time primary care physicians by 2037. Rural areas are especially affected by this shortage, and patients in these regions often face delayed diagnoses and unmanaged chronic conditions.
Behavioral health
Behavioral health shortages are severe and growing nationwide. Over one third of the U.S. population lives in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area with rural counties being more likely to have little to no access to behavioral health professionals. Burnout, an aging workforce, and limited training compound the crisis. Telehealth and psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to help bridge the gaps, but demand continues to outpace supply.
OB/GYN
OB/GYN shortages in the South, especially in rural regions, are creating serious gaps in maternity care, putting timely labor and delivery coverage and maternal outcomes at risk. These shortages force patients to travel long distances for basic care and contribute to staff burnout.
Strategies to Address Shortages
Telehealth expansion.
Telehealth is transforming access to care, especially in rural communities. By connecting patients with providers virtually, telehealth can help overcome geographic barriers, reduce travel, and expand access to care. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, and ongoing policy changes continue to support its growth. Even locum tenens providers can provide virtual care, so even if telehealth isn’t a good long-term plan for your facility, it can help fill the gap while you plan for the future.
Utilize advanced practitioners.
Advanced practitioners are becoming an increasingly essential way to fill gaps created by the physician shortage. With over 461,000 NPs licensed in the U.S., these providers are able to deliver primary care, behavioral health, and other specialty services. APs are consistently expanding their scope of practice, and by integrating them into your care team, you can improve patient access to care. APs can work locums too, so if you need a way to fill a gap, we can connect you with the right AP for your facility.
Addressing physician burnout.
Burnout is a leading issue among healthcare professionals. High stress, administrative burdens, and emotional fatigue are pushing providers out of the workforce. Addressing burnout through organizational support, flexible staffing (including locum tenens), and mental health resources is critical to retaining the current workforce and maintaining sustainable care delivery. Learn how you can support mental health.
The Role of Locum Tenens
Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners are an important part of the solution. By providing flexible, temporary coverage, locum tenens can help your facility maintain services, reduce patient wait times, and support your permanent staff, especially in high-demand specialties and underserved areas. Nearly 90% of healthcare facilities now use locum tenens providers annually, and their impact is felt nationwide.
Ready to address shortages at your facility?
Whether you are looking for telehealth strategies, want to utilize advanced practitioners, or just need to plan for the future, contact us today to explore staffing solutions tailored to the needs of your organization.
