Critical Condition: Primary Care Physician Shortages

Publication Date: May 2010

Publisher: National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)

Author(s): Devon Herrick

Research Area: Health

Keywords: primary care physicians shortage; physicians; primary care

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Under the new health care law, most U.S. residents will be required to have health insurance by 2014. About 32 million additional people are expected to enroll in some type of health plan. Evidence suggests that insured people consume twice as much medical care as uninsured people, other things being equal. This means that 32 million people will try to double their consumption of medical care. Yet, who will provide that care?