Calif. Struggles To Draw Young Primary Care Doctors to Rural Areas

A health care expert says that rural areas of California are facing difficulties recruiting young primary care physicians to replace retiring doctors, HealthyCal reports.

Background

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only about one-third of active physicians in the state practice primary care. In addition, many of the primary care providers are near retirement age.

Meanwhile, observers say that a shortage of such physicians in rural areas could increase under the Affordable Care Act, which will offer health insurance to millions of additional state residents.

Difficulties of Recruiting Younger Doctors

Dave Jones -- board president of the California State Rural Health Association and CEO of the not-for-profit Mountain Valleys Health Centers in Northeastern California -- said, "Country doctors doing family practice is kind of a 24/7 job," adding, "What we find is that many of the young docs go into specialties because they do get paid more, their hours are more regular, and they have a better lifestyle."

He said, "It has been an issue for a long time; with the [ACA] coming in and looking more toward wellness and primary care, it's going to make it even harder."

Possible Solutions

However, some observers note that Medi-Cal reimbursements for primary care physicians will increase temporarily under the ACA, saying the change could provide greater incentive for doctors to work in lower-income areas. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.