Questions that often arise during physician needs assessment projects are about factors that go beyond a simple supply/demand analysis. For example, what role do qualitative factors play in the determination of physician need in a given specialty in a service area?
The quantitative analysis is a standard in determining physician needs, and the major factors are the service area definition, the ratios being applied to the population of a service area, and the definition of physician supply. It is evident in most service areas, however, that there are factors that go beyond you-have-this-many-and-you-need-this-many. Some key areas that are important to consider are accessibility for new patients and consults, provider age, scope of practice, perceived quality concerns, patient outmigration, referral patterns, and others.
We recently completed a project that, based on the quantitative analysis, indicated no need in a specific specialty. The health system came back to us and requested a deeper dive into that specialty. A more comprehensive qualitative review revealed more about the actual need in this specialty in that particular market.
Our findings included the following:
The benefit to the community in the recruitment of an additional physician in this specialty became apparent, but documentation had to consider the qualitative factors outlined above. Relying solely on quantitative supply/demand would not provide the necessary documentation.Most medical communities have situations similar to those described. In our experience, these qualitative factors are often critical and necessary in the determination and documentation of need in a specialty. If ignored, these dynamics can result in an ineffective analysis of the true needs of a community.
Contact us to find out how Coker Group can assist you in assessing physician needs in your area.