Working together to address the healthcare provider shortage

Kilgore, James R. DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA

JAAPA 36(8):p 9-10, August 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000944628.63922.0c

Executive Summary: Addressing the Healthcare Provider Shortage

Context & Concern

The U.S. faces a growing shortage of healthcare providers, especially in primary care, dental, and mental health services.

Key Findings

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Health Resources and Services Administration reveal:
- A need for over 17,000 primary care providers, 12,000 dental professionals, and 8,200 mental health providers.
- PA and NP employment is projected to grow significantly faster than physician employment over the next decade.

Education & Workforce Trends

Annual graduates:
- Physicians: ~28,000
- PAs: ~11,000
- NPs: ~36,000
PA and NP programs are expanding rapidly, while physician growth remains relatively flat.
The aging physician workforce and shifting work-life priorities among younger physicians contribute to reduced clinical hours.

Challenges & Opportunities

Scope-of-practice expansion is essential but politically sensitive, with resistance from some physician groups.
Low self-employment rates among PAs and NPs suggests regulatory barriers.
Healthcare employers increasingly favor PAs and NPs due to cost-effectiveness and comparable clinical outcomes.

Call to Action

The author urges professional associations, government bodies, and insurers to collaborate on strategic workforce planning.
Emphasizes the need to clearly define roles, reduce turf wars, and optimize clinician contributions across settings.

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