Radio Smart Talk: Are there enough primary care doctors in PA?

Radio Smart Talk for Monday, March 25:

In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about doctor shortages in the United States, especially when it comes to primary care physicians. A studyreleased earlier this year by the U.S. Senate reports the nation is currently short by about 16,000 primary care doctors. It warns that figure could grow to 52,000 by 2025 if no action is taken.

How is the situation shaping up in the Keystone state? The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians says existing primary care doctors are highly accessible in the commonwealth, and many are even accepting new patients. The group’s new report suggests Pennsylvanians who actively seek primary care should be able to obtain it because many family doctors accept patients regardless of their ability to pay.

As part of witf’s ongoing Transforming Health project, Radio Smart Talk will look at the state of primary care in Pennsylvania, including the growing number of responsibilities placed on family physicians, how the Affordable Care Act affects these doctors, and how medical schools are addressing the growing demand for primary care physicians.

We’ll hear from Dr. Doug Spotts, vice president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, and Dr. C. Richard Schott, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Listen to the program:

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