Otology-Neurotology 2020 US Workforce Distribution

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Otology-neurotology is a subspecialty focusing on the ear and skull base.
• Understanding the geographic distribution of these specialists is crucial for assessing access to care.
• Previous data on the distribution of otology-neurotology physician-surgeons in the US is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the geographic and per capita distribution of otology-neurotology physician-surgeons across the United States.
• To identify regions with high and low concentrations of these specialists.
• To provide data for future healthcare planning and resource allocation.

Main Methods:

• A national database review was conducted using membership lists from the American Neurotology Society and ENThealth.org.
• Otology-neurotology physician-surgeons were identified and categorized by US census regions, states, and major metropolitan areas.
• Per capita calculations (per 1 million persons) were performed based on 2019 US Census population estimates.

Main Results:

• A total of 482 otology-neurotology physician-surgeons were identified across 49 states and the District of Columbia.
• The New England region exhibited the highest concentration (1.89 per million), while the West-South-Central region had the lowest (1.23 per million).
• The District of Columbia, Vermont, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and New York showed the highest state-level concentrations, whereas Mississippi, Georgia, Idaho, New Mexico, and Wyoming had the lowest.

Conclusions:

• Otology-neurotology physician-surgeons are generally distributed across the US, but significant regional disparities exist.
• Certain geographic areas appear to be underrepresented, potentially impacting patient access to specialized care.
• Variability in clinical practice patterns may contribute to the observed distribution, warranting further investigation.