Thesis
Reducing the rural physician shortage in the Pacific Northwest: incentivizing rural physicians through financial reimbursement
Washington State University
Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Washington State University
2011
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102668
Abstract
Rural physician shortages continue to persist throughout the United States and rural healthcare delivery is an ongoing crisis. Physician shortages have led to a decline in the health of rural populations. Various solutions to improve the shortages have been proposed and implemented, but no permanent solution has been found. The rural healthcare market is a natural monopoly. There is no guarantee of financial success and providers generally overlook rural healthcare for more lucrative specialties in urban areas. The purpose of the study was to look further into incentivizing physicians working in the Pacific Northwest through increased financial reimbursement, primarily through Medicare and Medicaid payments, as a potential solution that could improve physician shortages in some counties. Six chronic shortage counties in Washington and Oregon were the focus of the study. These counties have historically been above the recommended provider to population ratio of 1:3500. Phone interviews with rural clinic managers and people working in public health in the six shortage counties were conducted in order to gain a better understanding of the situation in their county and the barriers to providing care that they have faced. This study confirmed that reimbursement is a relevant solution worthy of further investigation. Interview responses also highlighted the differences between HPSA counties that fall under the same shortage designation. Although increased reimbursement is needed, it is not the only answer to this crisis. Rural physician shortages will only be improved through further study and federal policy intervention.
Metrics
12 File views/ downloads
36 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Reducing the rural physician shortage in the Pacific Northwest
- Creators
- Hilary Elise Gossler
- Contributors
- Paul Thiers (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525292801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis