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Survey Finds Numerous Problems Facing Primary Care Doctors, Predicts Escalating Shortage Ahead

A national survey released by The Physicians Foundation depicts widespread frustration and concern among primary care physicians nationwide, which could lead to a dramatic decrease in practicing doctors in the near future.  The survey examined the causes behind the doctors’ dissatisfaction, the state of their practices and the future of care.  The resulting findings show the possibility of significantly decreased access for Americans in the years ahead, as many doctors are forced to reduce the number of patients they see or quit the practice of medicine outright.  

An overwhelming majority – 78 percent – of physicians believe that there is an existing shortage of primary care doctors in the United States today.  Additionally, nearly half of them – 49 percent, or more than 150,000 practicing doctors– say that over the next three years they plan to reduce the number of patients they see or stop practicing entirely.

Downloads

Press Release Nov08 (35K)  [download]

Survey Report Executive Summary (45K)  [download]

Survey Report Key Findings (46K)  [download]

Survey Report Nov08 (731K)  [download]