Data Viz: Access to Primary Care Physicians and Dentists

Copyright

2017

Published Date

08/29/2017

Published By

Community Commons

Have you noticed fewer doctors available in your community? What about mental health providers and dentists? If you haven’t noticed yet, you’re likely to notice over the next couple of years. A recent article from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a physician shortage ranging between 61,000 and 94,000 doctors in the United States by 2025.

The 2016 version of the AAMC report, for the first time, includes a special analysis of the needs of underserved populations. These data show that, “if underserved patients had barriers to utilization removed, the United States would need up to 96,000 doctors today to meet patient needs.”

County Health Rankings provides updated data each year related to health care provider access. The maps below highlight rates of primary care physician and dentist access. How does your county compare to those around you? Tell us if you’re feeling the affects of a provider shortage and what, if anything, your community is doing to help curb the decline. Reach us on Facebook or Twitter or in the comments below!