The Diffusion Of Physicians
- 1 September 2008
- journal article
- Published by Health Affairs (Project Hope) in Health Affairs
- Vol. 27 (5), 1409-1415
- https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.27.5.1409
Abstract
Physicians move from place to place over their careers; this is thought to reflect the economic theory that they seek better opportunities to practice. Using national data, this study tracked physician movement between counties classified by physician-to-population ratio and socioeconomic characteristics. Approximately one-quarter of practicing physicians moved in each of two ten-year periods, 1981–1991 and 1991–2001. The overall tendency of movers was to go to places with lower physician-to-population ratios but higher per capita incomes and lower unemployment. These trends, if they continue, may help decrease access to physician care in rural and urban underserved areas.Keywords
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