Study: Millions of Americans lack adequate access to primary healthcare

A recently released study by Avalere Health finds that many states are facing significant shortages of primary care physicians. About 57 million Americans live in communities that lack a satisfactory number of primary care physicians to meet needs.

According to the study, Mississippi ranked highest as the state with the largest percentage of its population in primary care physicians shortage areas at 57%. It was followed by Arizona, Louisiana, and New Mexico (42% each); and Alabama and the District of Columbia (37% each).

New Jersey and Vermont ranked lowest with 0% of their population in primary care physicians shortage areas, followed by Nebraska (2%), Hawaii (3%), and New Hampshire (4%).

Source: Avalere Health