Report: Rural ERs Increasingly Operating Without Doctors Amid Nationwide Shortage
kffhealthnews.org
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
In Ekalaka, Montana, Dahl Memorial Hospital’s emergency room operates without an on-site physician, relying instead on physician assistants and nurse practitioners amid a nationwide shortage of doctors. A 2022 study highlighted that 7.4% of U.S. emergency departments lack 24/7 attending physicians, predominantly in low-volume or critical access hospitals, suggesting a growing trend. This staffing model raises concerns about the quality of care, prompting debates among healthcare professionals about the necessity of on-site doctors versus the capabilities of advanced-practice providers. The dilemma underscores the potential risk of rural hospital closures if regulations mandating physician presence are enforced.
