Making a Difference: Assessment of the Economic Viability and Impact of Rural Practice

Abstract

Rural communities across the United States are in need of access to quality healthcare. In fact, there is great demand for both primary care physicians and specialists in Rural America. A number of factors contribute to a lack of supply and demand equilibrium. A thorough review of the current literature indicates that, while there has been some research focused on healthcare access issues in Rural America, there is very little data related to the economic factors that result in this disparity. This chapter considers the economic impact of rural specialist practices on their communities; discusses rural physician supply and demand; considers factors that have a negative impact of clinical practice such as payer mix and distances that separates patients from physicians; and, reviews opportunities that can make a rural practice competitive. Finally, a snapshot of an academic rural practice demonstrates that it is possible to manage an economically successful dermatology practice outside the confines of Urban America.