The American Academy for Family Practice’s Graham Center published a new report outlining the projected needs for primary care physicians to 2030 in each state.
According to the report, Michigan will need an additional 862 primary care phyisicans by 2030. This would be a 12% increase over the current level.
What is the cause of this growth? The analysis points out the three main causes for increased demand for primary care providers. (Helpfully, the authors provide a detailed methodology here.)
The Affordable Care Act:
The authors project the need for an additional 100 primary care physicians due to increased numbers of insurance patients and copay-free preventative health screenings, like the Medicare Wellness Benefit.
Population Growth:
Michigan’s population is also expected to grow during the next 20 years, meaning more babies, more vaccinations, and more coughs and colds, contributing to need for an additional 100 primary care providers.
Aging Population:
The aging of the baby-boomer generation will generate the most additional demand for primary care physicians. According to the study, 600 additional primary care providers will be needed to keep up with the health care needs of aging baby-boomers.
How will we meet these needs?
Michigan is educating more physicians each year in part by opening new medical schools. Additionally, nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs are expanding as well, to build additional members of the primary care team.
Furthermore, new ways of educating and delivering health care must be used to keep Michigan’s families healthier and out of the doctor’s office.
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