Last month, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published a high-profile report from the Center for Workforce Studies, showing a shortage of physicians in Illinois and around the country. The report details the shortage of available doctors, especially in rural areas, both by state and by specialty. The report warns that "if physician supply and use patterns stay the same, the United States will experience a shortage of 124,000 full-time physicians by 2025." How will this impact you? "Average wait times for medical specialties are likely to increase dramatically beyond the current range of two to five weeks." This shortage is a growing concern, especially due to our rapidly aging population who may be in more need of health care in the coming years. The report also cites more regulations and more paperwork as factors for the physician shortage. With harder work ahead and dwindling reimbursements, it is becoming more difficult to persuade young people to choose the health care field. If you find yourself having to wait longer for regular checkups or to have your pain examined, consider an alternative: chiropractic. Chiropractors in Illinois have the training, education, experience, and license to adequately diagnose your condition and to refer you for the proper testing or specialist, if necessary. Will it be necessary to consult a chiropractor regarding your pain in the future? Well, if you'd like to avoid long lines or long waits, it might be. Here's a quote from the AAMC report, discussing the state of health care in Illinois: Illinois (2010) - “One-half of Graduating Illinois Residents and Fellows are Leaving” Well, how about our neighbors? If it's difficult to get good family health care in Illinois, will it be easier in Indiana? Indiana (2007) – “Projections Indicate that Shortages Will Continue to Worsen” Or Wisconsin? Or Missouri? Or Iowa? Wisconsin (2011) – “100 New Physicians a Year: An Imperative for Wisconsin” If physician shortages are growing worse, as this report indicates, due to physician retirement, a scarcity of new medical graduates, and an aging population, then it might be time to begin looking for alternative solutions. Chiropractors work with medical doctors to coordinate care and provide you with exceptional service.
In general, chiropractors do not have excessive wait times. For example, because Johnson Family Chiropractic sets aside specific times each day for new patients, a new patient at Johnson Family Chiropractic can usually be seen within one to three business days of contacting our office. If you find yourself dealing with longer and longer wait times due to the physician shortage, ask us if we can help. If chiropractic care is not right for you, we'll let you know and refer you to the proper specialist. And if you needed chiropractic care all along, then you'll be in the right place.
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DisclaimerUnless otherwise attributed, all content is written by Kyle Johnson, DC, of Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria.
All images used are under Creative Commons license. Although every effort has been made to provide an accurate description of our chiropractic care and its benefits, the information given on this website and blog is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical advice for any condition. If you have any questions regarding your condition, you should seek the help of Dr. Johnson in person, so that he may properly assess your condition. This blog is provided by Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria, S.C., proudly located in Peoria, IL. |