Editorial
Endocrinology in Crisis?
Abstract
The physician shortage in the United States is likely to persist, if not worsen, in the foreseeable future.1 Because the pivotal role played by primary care providers is universally accepted, these providers may experience an increase in reimbursement from the federal government. In a perfect world, the primary care provider should be supported by an available network of subspecialists, yet medical subspecialties, including endocrinology, face a recruiting challenge.2 Meanwhile, with the burgeoning obesity and diabetes epidemics, waiting lists to see an endocrinologist have become longer and in some communities, difficulties with patient access have reached crisis proportions.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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References
1. Dill MJ, Salsberg ES. The complexities of physician supply and demand: projections through 2025. https://members.aamc.org/eweb/upload/The%20Complexities%20of%20Physician%20Supply.pdf. Published November 2008. Accessed August 20, 2012.
2. Rizza RA, Vigersky RA, Rodbard HW, et al. A model to determine workforce needs for endocrinologists in the United States until 2020. Endocr Pract 2003; 9: 210–219.
3. Kerr EA, Gerzoff RB, Krein SL, et al. Diabetes care quality in the Veterans Affairs health care system and commercial managed care: the TRIAD study. Ann Intern Med 2004; 141: 272–281.
