News: Providers caring for Medicaid patients increases by 6.3%, survey shows

From 2013-2023, the number of physicians serving Medicaid patients grew; however, providers practicing in rural and under deserved areas experienced higher exit rates, new data shows.

According to MedPage Today, while the percent of physicians in the Medicare program grew by 6.3% between 2013 and 2023, physicians living in rural areas were “more likely to exit the program compared with those in metropolitan counties” (2.71% v. 2.58%).

Additionally, “physicians living in either full or partial Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) versus others” (2.66% v. 2.41%) were more likely to leave their programs, as well.

With regards to demographic differences, the study found that physicians who were female, older, and working in primary care were “more likely to exit” the program than other members in their cohort.

Editor’s note: To read the MedPage Today coverage, click here.