Physician Reimbursement Hampers Maryland MD Shortage

Early physician retirement and low physician reimbursement are being blamed for the shortage of physicians in Maryland. Rural areas are hardest affected. The findings were released by two Maryland state medical groups that revealed sixteen percent fewer physicians than the national average, according to the Frederick News Post. Western Maryland carries about 140 physicians per 100,000 residents, compared to a national average of about 200.

Already, patients are asked to use the overcrowded emergency rooms for care for even minor problems. Smaller ERs are diverting patients to more distant hospitals for care, which can worsen care for many patients forced to travel long distances for medical care.

The report was presented jointly by the Maryland Hospital Association and the Maryland State Medical Association and commented on the increasing numbers of doctors nearing retirement age—a factor that will likely worsen the situation. Ten percent of physicians are sixty five or older. Specialty care is particularly spotty and results in patients needing to travel to larger cities for care. One-third of practicing surgeons, for example are expected to retire by 2015.
An additional problem is that half of all the doctors who complete their residency in Maryland actually remain in Maryland to practice medicine. That number is expected to fall to 25 percent in the next seven years.

Recommendations include raising physician reimbursement rates to make the state more competitive with neighboring states. They also recommended a state-sponsored loan forgiveness program to keep more residents practicing in the state after residency.