People nationwide are feeling the effects of physician shortages, especially in underserved communities. While medical professionals are doing what they can, Congress may be what alleviates this pressing issue.
In this guide, we’ll cover why there is a shortage of primary care physicians and legislation introduced in Congress to help minimize the issue.
Why Is There a Shortage of Doctors?
With shortages becoming more common, many providers and patients wonder: why is this happening? Some of the major components affecting doctor insufficiencies include:
- Population growth
- Physicians nearing retirement age taking early retirement or reduced hours
- People growing older and needing more healthcare
- Physician burnout
- High education costs causing future doctors to pursue higher-paying specialties
Current estimates suggest the US could see a shortage of up to 86,000—or more—doctors by 2036, though the effects are already here. Many underserved areas have even less access to PCPs now, creating “medical deserts” that Congress must address.
How Legislation in Congress Can Help
Lobbying efforts from professional organizations pressure lawmakers to act to curb the shortage. Some recent support from Congress includes:
Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act
The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act could help combat the deficiency of primary care doctors. The premise is that the number of Medicare-supported residencies would increase by about 14,000 over seven years.
These residencies would be for primary care and specialty positions. Advocates think the bill may expand upon previous General Medical Education (GME) investments.
Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2021 and 2023
In 2021, Congress passed a Consolidated Appropriations Act including funding for 1,000 Medicare-supported GME positions. In 2023, the same act included another 200 federally-supported positions in psychiatrics.
These sporadic increases allowed more doctors to enter the field. They also provided time for medical education programs to adjust to an influx of residents.
Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act
This act would allow the Conrad 30 Waiver program to continue for three years after passing. As a result, more people who come to America from other countries for medical training could be allowed to bypass the two-year waiting period. Traditionally, they’d have to leave the country, but instead, they can stay and practice.
Passing this act can also allow states to receive up to 35 Conrad waivers each fiscal year if they used a specific number in the previous year.
Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act
More legislation with the potential to impact the shortage is the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act. This one-time issue would allow the “recapture” of 40,000 unused employment-based visas.
Foreign-born nurses could access 25,000, and the remaining could go to physicians. These healthcare professionals would work in US health offices to help bolster our care systems.
Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act
Becoming a physician is a large investment, which can dissuade students from continuing their programs. The REDI Act would allow residents and interns to defer their loans until completion.
How You Can Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, including actions to quell the primary care doctor shortage, to know what to expect in the coming years. Attend continuing medical education seminars for additional information about the field.