The nation will be short more than 90,000 physicians by 2020 and 130,000 physicians by 2025, according to projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Here are eight facts and statistics on what will cause the drastic shortage, provided by Barton Associates.
Shrinking supply
• 1 in 3 practicing physicians in the U.S. is over the age of 55 and close to retirement
• 6 in 10 physicians say it is likely many colleagues will retire in the next one to three years
Growing demand
• By age 65, about two-thirds of senior citizens have at least one chronic disease
• 20 percent of Americans older than 65 see 14 or more physicians and average 40 physician visits each year
• More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day
• Some estimates project the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will extend health insurance coverage to 33 million citizens
Not enough growth
• The number of Medicare-sponsored residency slots has been capped since 1997
• Medical school graduates may exceed the number of residency positions by 2015
More Articles on the Physician Shortage:
3 Things Hospitals Can Do to Reduce Clinician Vacancies
10 States With the Most Physicians 60 or Older
Drs. Scott Gottlieb, Ezekiel Emanuel: Physician Shortage Unlikely