Aging Boomers Strain Healthcare: Looming Primary Care Physician Shortage Crisis
Forbes
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The aging Baby Boomer population is placing unprecedented demands on the American healthcare system as over 10,000 individuals enter Medicare daily, coinciding with a projected shortage of up to 40,400 primary care physicians by 2035. This mismatch poses serious challenges in managing complex healthcare needs, particularly for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Consequently, many patients face lengthy wait times for primary care appointments, which can lead to poorly managed health issues and increased healthcare costs. As primary care models struggle to adapt to these changes, the implications for healthcare professionals include an urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance care delivery and address clinician burnout, especially in rural and underserved areas.
