Here are the seven factors driving supply and demand, according to the report:
- Population growth: The growing population necessitates more physicians.
- Population aging: Senior citizens are three times more likely to visit a physician than younger people.
- Provider aging: Thirty percent of physicians are 60 or older.
- Provider burnout: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in physician burnout.
- Pervasive ill health: Sixty percent of Americans have a chronic medical condition.
- Pipeline problems: In 1997, federal funding for physician training was capped.
- Practice styles: Many physicians embrace part-time roles that reduce full-time equivalents.
