The Physician Shortage-Projections, Causes, and Solutions W…

The Physician Shortage: Projections, Causes, and Solutions

Factors Driving the Physician Shortage: The “Seven P’s”

A variety of longstanding factors are driving the physician shortage. AMN Healthcare refers to these factors as the “Seven P’s.” They include:

1. Population growth: The U.S. population is projected to grow from 332 million people today to 423 million by 2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the next 25 years, the U.S. will add to the ranks of its citizens the equivalent of the current population of Germany. 2. Population aging: By 2036, the U.S. population is projected to grow by 8.4%, while the population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by 34.1%, according to the AAMC. The population 75 and older is projected to grow by 54.7%. People 65 and older visit physicians at three times the rate of younger people and account for a disproportionally large number of tests and procedures, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (see charts below).

In-Patient Procedures by Age Group

Number of Diagnostic Treatments Tests by Age Group

40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%

under 15 16-44 45-64 65+ 65+ U.S. Population

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

AMNHealthcare.com | 5 AMNHealthcare.com | 5

Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease