Primary care physicians in Mississippi: implications for rural health care

Despite a 24% increase in Mississippi primary care physicians during the 1980s, rural areas of the state continue to be underserved with 39 of 82 counties classified as health manpower shortage areas for primary medical care. Utilizing 1980 and 1990 census data and reports from the Mississippi State Department of Health, primary care physician manpower was analyzed to determine where growth and trends occurred. Most of the primary care physician growth occurred in ten populous counties, with family physicians and general practitioners continuing to provide most of the care in the lesser populated counties. Public and private entities are exploring new and innovative methods of delivering health care to rural areas which recognize the changing professional and lifestyle expectations of today's physicians. Multispecialty primary care group practices need to be promoted and innovative financial arrangements provided. Educational systems need to recruit students from rural areas and provide more training experiences in rural areas.