Having serious health issues might make you uncomfortable to reside in one of the cities with the fewest doctors per capita in America, as they may be miles away from where you live. It might be a better option for you to live in one of 11 cities with the most doctors per capita in America. As mentioned in our previous list, America will face a shortage of 90,000 physicians by 2025, with an increase in demand of about 17%. Throughout the country, the average per capita figure is 258.7 doctors per 100,000 people; the highest rate of 415.5 doctors per 100,000 people is in Massachusetts, whereas the lowest rate of 176.4 is in Mississippi.
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While you may be alarmed by the cities with the fewest doctors per capita, what is disturbing is that the United States is only one of three OECD countries to “not guarantee access to health care for its population”, according to a 2004 report. While most industrialized countries have provided universal healthcare for its citizens, the United States have yet to implement policies towards universal healthcare. This issue is extremely important given the fact that the country also had the highest rates of obesity, infant mortality, accidents, heart and lung disease, injuries, homicides and sexually transmitted diseases, among 17 industrialized countries, according to a report by the National Institutes of Health in 2013. This also comes at a time when Gallup, 2015, noted that there was an increase in the number of uninsured individuals living in the United States to 11.9%. While having health insurance ensures one that most, if not all expenses would be covered, a lot of uninsured individuals, especially senior citizens have resorted to selling their property, with some even declaring bankruptcy due to health costs.
As for the previous list of the cities with the most doctors per capita, to create this list, Insider Monkey obtained data from Dartmouth Health Atlas. We again looked at the hospital service areas and the number of doctors per 100,000 people.Additional data was also provided by the Association of American Medical College’s report. Below each city is the number of doctors per 100,000 people, and the doctor – population ratio, or how many people are served by a single doctor.
Without further ado, we bring you the list of cities with the fewest doctors per capita.
11. Amarillo, Texas
Per 100,000 population: 147.5
Doctors per capita: 1:677
There are a number of hospitals serving the area, and the most prominent one is the Northwest Texas Hospital. This is the area’s only level III hospital, which is also designated as a trauma center. Baptist St. Anthony’s was listed as one of the top 50 hospitals in the United States from 2002-2005. It is also the first free-standing hospice that was built without any form of debt whatsoever.
10. Abilene, Texas
Per 100,000 population: 138.4
Doctors per capita: 1:722
Three hospitals serve the area, the largest of which is Hendrick Medical Center. It was opened in 1934, and is now a 504-bed facility and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
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9. Jena, Louisiana
Per 100,000 population: 138.0
Doctors per capita: 1:724
LaSalle General Hospital, a 60-bed facility, serves the area. It includes a 24-hour emergency department, a 101-bed nursing home, and a physical therapy department.
7. Canadian, Texas and Friona, Texas
Canadian, Texas
Per 100,000 population: 136.9
Doctors per capita: 1:730
Hemphill County Hospital serves the town of around 2000 residents. It counts 5 physicians on its staff, with an additional 1 nurse practitioner and 1 physician assistant. More than 1600 patients a year visit their emergency room. It has 26 beds.
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Friona, Texas
Per 100,000 population: 136.9
Doctors per capita: 1:730
Parmer Medical Center primarily serves Friona, Texas. The Medical Center has 5 physicians serving a total population of around 9000 residents.
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6. Wheeler, Texas
Per 100,000 population: 123.4
Doctors per capita: 1:810
Parkview Hospital is a designated level IV emergency and trauma center in the area. The hospital has 16 beds and offers services such as skilled nursing, laboratory, radiology and physical therapy.
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5. Oakdale, Louisiana
Per 100,000 population: 123.1
Doctors per capita: 1:812
Known for being the home of the Oakdale Federal Correctional Complex, the city is also home to the Oakdale Community Hospital. Several services are offered by this hospital where work physicians with a wide range of specialties.
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4. Dallas, Georgia
Per 100,000 population: 115.5
Doctors per capita: 1:865
Currently with 5 beds, the Wellstar Paulding Hospital is ready to serve the population of Dallas, Georgia. The hospital offers a multitude of services, from surgery through pediatrics and internal medicine to intensive care.
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3. New London, Wisconsin
Per 100,000 population: 113.9
Doctors per capita: 1:877
With 26 beds, New London Medical Center is a general medical and surgical hospital that caters to the residents of New London. There are a number of doctors who practice at the medical center with a variety of specialties and sub-specialties.
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2. Perryton, Texas
Per 100,000 population: 110.8
Doctors per capita: 1:902
Ochiltree General Hospital has been serving the community for the past 40 years and was designed to be a 65-bed hospital with the capacity to expand to 100 beds. It currently offers medical services such as family practice, general practice, general surgery, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
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1. Fort Summer, New Mexico
Per 100,000 population: 36.9
Doctors per capita: 1:2710
The only health care facility in the county, De Baca Family Practice was formerly known as De Baca General Hospital before closing in 2001. It was renovated and now has a total of 21 beds, with one full-time physician employed. With only 36,9 doctors per 100,000 people, Fort Summer easily tops this list of cities with the fewest doctors per capita in America.
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