How can we tell whether there are too many or too few physicians? The case for benchmarking

The New Generation Of Nurse Practitioners: Is More Enough?

“…22 When combined with the existing physician supply, these increases in the numbers of NPs and physician assistants are likely to contribute to a clinician surplus. 23 Absent a national health policy, interactive factors such as market forces, provider preference, and federal and state support will continue to determine the size, composition, and distribution of the clinician workforce. Specific policy-making bodies, foundations, and organizations have recommended a reduction and/or stabilization within specific disciplines to balance supply and demand.…”

Changes in the proportion and volume of care provided to children by generalists and subspecialists

“…1 This work followed other studies that claimed to demonstrate an aggregate oversupply of subspecialists but did not separate pediatric from adult physicians. 2,3 However, more recently, both the medical literature and the popular press have published reports describing the scarcity of specialists in general, and pediatric specialists in particular. 4,5 Many also have noted long wait times to see subspecialists as well as the difficulty in recruiting enough subspecialists to fulfill clinical needs at major institutions.…”

Physicians and the Changing Medical Marketplace

“…26 By the year 2000, the number of physicians caring for patients will have increased to 203 per 100,000 population, as compared with 115 per 100,000 in 1970. 28 Moreover, physician's assistants and advance-practice nurses are expected to number 168,000 in the year 2005, further reducing the need for physicians. 26 Evidence that there is an oversupply of physicians, particularly specialists, is strong.…”