March 20, 2014

We live in a great city for health care. In fact, we're ranked second nationally, according to a recent survey of America's most livable cities - based on access to and affordability of "great care options."

However, challenges lie ahead as more doctors are needed here and across the country. A report by Greater Cincinnati business, health care and community leaders found we need 200 more primary care physicians now and 250 by 2017 as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) takes full effect. There are two drivers:

• An increased need to care for a growing and aging population
• The up to 32 million more Americans, including 164,000 more area residents, now eligible for health insurance through the ACA

Recommendations Include Recruitment, Adopting PCMH

As the demand increases, our medical education efforts must focus on areas where the need is greatest. Research shows that physicians are more likely to practice medicine where they were raised and educated. The local report recommends:

• Developing creative strategies for recruiting new physicians to live and work in the community.
• Adopting the Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) model to unite physicians and other care providers in a single team to offer easier access, improved integration and enhanced quality of care - something TriHealth already does.

Growing Role for Other Care Providers

Some experts also see expanded roles for physician assistants and nurse practitioners to achieve quality and cost goals as health care increasingly moves beyond the hospital.

Locally, we have fewer physician assistants and nurse practitioners than physicians - which must be addressed since many physicians rely on them. These professionals provide primary and preventive care, manage chronic health conditions and teach patients how to avoid injury, hospitalization and nursing home care.

To read the full report, visit healthcollaborative.org.