An approach to locating a family practice office in a metropolitan area

A simple, economically feasible approach to locating a family practice office within a metropolitan area is presented. The Grand Rapids area serves as the population base for this investigation. An Office Location-Population Profile is determined from census tract population data and known physician office distrubution. Based on this information, a subsegment of the total area is delineated as a possible neighborhood for an office location and a physician-opulation ratio for this subsegment is determined. This is compared with recommended ratios. A statistical profile of the population, within the area considered as a possible site location, is developed using information available through census bureau statistics. Finally, a direct survey of a random sample of households within the selected area is performed. This format provides an objective approach to facilitate rational decision making in locating a family practice office in a metropolitan area.