Perspectives

Why Is US Health Care Failing? Some Reasons Are Obvious, but Fixes Are Harder

Authors: Steven Lippmann, MD

Abstract

Having sufficient healthcare personnel available has always been an issue; however, recently, shortages have become a bigger problem. Even before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disruptions, there was already a shortage of more than 91,000 physicians in the United States.1 There are not enough clinically available doctors accessible for our needs. Projections forecast nearly 140,000 physician deficiencies by 2030.2 Older, retiring practitioners; maldistribution of medical services; and an aging citizenry add to the problem.3,4

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