Preparing for a Shortage of Primary Care Physicians

How the primary care shortage impacts patient care.

Gastroenterologists surgeon shortage

The number of primary care physicians in the United States is failing to keep up with ever-growing demand. Studies indicate that there could be a shortage of 37,800-124,000 primary care and specialty care doctors by the year 2034

How salary plays a role.

One factor deterring medical students from choosing to go into primary care is the fact that specialists earn, on average, $100,000 more than primary care doctors. With several hundred thousand dollars of debt piled up from medical school, salary often plays a key role when medical students choose to go into a higher paying specialty.

The long-term effect.

With this shortage of primary care physicians, some family medicine and internal medicine providers are no longer accepting new patients. This results in many patients ignoring their routine care. The American Academy of Family Physicians says studies have suggested that “as many as 127,617 deaths per year in the United States could be averted through an increase in the number of primary care physicians available.” Death rates for cancer, heart disease and stroke are all lower in areas where there are more primary care providers per person.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, Association of American Medical Colleges, CBS News, SteadyMD.com.

Advanced practitioners can help fill primary care gaps.

See how nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse midwives can protect your patients and ensure they continue to receive care.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

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Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

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