Rural America Faces Long-Term Doctor Shortage

Rural Doctor Shortage Expected to Last 12 More Years, Report Finds

Rural America will continue to face a severe shortage of primary care physicians for at least the next 12 years, according to a new national report from the Commonwealth Fund. The analysis, based on federal workforce data, highlights a worsening gap in medical access for rural communities — including many across Oklahoma.

Most Rural Counties Lack Enough Doctors

The report estimates 43 million rural residents live in areas without enough primary care physicians. Nationally, 92% of rural counties are considered shortage areas, compared to 83% of nonrural counties.

In 2023:

• 45% of rural counties had five or fewer primary care doctors

• Nearly 200 counties had none at all

• Rural areas averaged 1 doctor per 2,881 residents

States in the South had the most severe ratios, with 3,411 patients per doctor, while Northeastern states averaged 1,979 residents per physician.

How This Impacts Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of the states hit hardest by rural healthcare shortages. Dozens of rural Oklahoma counties are already designated Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas, and many rely on traveling physicians, part-time clinic coverage, or emergency rooms to fill the gaps.

Limited internet access also affects telehealth use, which the report found to be significantly lower among rural residents. Nationally, only 19% of rural patients used telehealth for primary care over the last year, compared to 29% nationwide

Federal Funding May Expand Rural Training Programs

States recently submitted applications for portions of a newly created $50 billion federal rural health fund, passed in July. Many states, including Oklahoma, are exploring ways to expand rural residency programs, which are proven to increase the likelihood physicians will remain in rural practice after training, alleviating doctor shortages.

Nurse Practitioners Filling Part of the Gap

While the supply of rural physicians is expected to remain flat, the report found the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) will keep rising. NPs are the fastest-growing clinician group in the country and are increasingly essential in rural primary care clinics, including those in Oklahoma.

Loan Repayment Programs Underused in Rural Areas

The report also noted low participation in federal scholarship and loan repayment programs. In 2023, only 40% of rural counties had even one primary care clinician using the program, compared to 60% of nonrural counties.

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