Millions of Americans Live in a County Without a Surgeon

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that over a third of U.S. counties lack general surgeons, leaving more than 15 million Americans without access to crucial surgical care. Dr. Thomas Tsai, medical director for health policy research at the American College of Surgeons, emphasizes that surgeons play a vital role in rural healthcare, acting as the "keystone" for broader health services. The research found that 30% of counties have no surgeons across 12 different specialties.

Tsai notes that even many rural counties with hospitals - often referred to as critical access hospitals - do not employ full-time surgeons. This lack of access could result in increased transfer of patients to receive needed care, leading to burdens for patients and higher healthcare costs. The problem is expected to worsen with the implementation of H.R.

1, a bill that includes cuts to Medicaid, which could force many hospitals to close. Access to surgeons varies significantly across the country, with some regions having up to 12 times more surgeons per capita than others.

Experts suggest that the shortage of surgeons stems from a lack of training, particularly as the aging population requires more medical procedures. Additionally, more training focused on rural areas could help retain surgeons in these regions. Telehealth and advanced practice providers are already providing primary care in rural areas, but access to specialized surgical care remains limited.

As the population ages and patients face increasingly complex conditions, the need for surgeons and surgical specialists in rural areas continues to grow.