Family doctors called scarce

Shortage is worst in rural, poorer areas, report contends

She entered private practice with Bennett in 1992. Starting in 1995, insurance reimbursements became unfavorable, she said. Since then, she saw her income stagnating or declining. In 2000, she took a second job at an urgent care center, which paid at an hourly rate, to support her two children as a single parent. After seven years of working 55 hours a week, she had had enough.

Currently earning an hourly salary, she has vacation time for the first time in her life and works 40 hours a week. The income is comparable to earnings from the two jobs, she said.

"I knew that Dr. Bennett was going to have trouble finding another partner," Batong said. "I know at least three, four family practices that can't find anyone, and they've been looking longer than him."

To address these problems, the association's Hawkins says that politicians need to change their policies and revise the provider payment system to attract more primary care professionals. In addition, he suggests more loan forgiveness programs and economic incentives to encourage medical students to go to underserved areas.

Hawkins said the public needs to become aware of the need for more family doctors. Otherwise, he said, "We'll all end up in duck soup, to put it politely."

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