Why is there a Shortage of Doctors?

Washington, D.C. - August 23, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Representative Ruben J. Kihuen released the statement below following a press conference addressing the shortage of doctors in Nevada. The event highlighted H.R. 2267: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2017, which would expand the current cap on the number of Medicare-supported training slots for doctors, helping to grow a strong physician workforce and address the nation’s looming doctor shortage.

“The Affordable Care Act helped improve Nevada’s healthcare system, but we still rank among the worst states in the nation. Too often, hard working Nevadans are getting left behind when it comes to getting reliable and affordable health coverage. All of Nevada's 17 counties have been designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. New academic programs like those offered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas medical school will help alleviate this doctor shortage long term. However, our graduates will still have a tough time finding a hospital in Nevada to complete their required training because of a lack of Medicare-supported residency training programs. Passing the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act is the first step in addressing our doctor shortage crisis in Nevada by helping expand the number of residency slots for doctors. It is unacceptable for anyone to be forced to wait months to access vital healthcare services. I look forward to working with community stakeholders and my colleagues in Congress to help Nevadans finally get the care they deserve.”

Why is there a shortage of doctors?

Primary Care Physician Shortage Requires Bold Action