Factors affecting the distribution of primary care physicians in rural counties of Virginia: 1970-1990

In this study, county level data for three time periods (1970, 1985, and 1989) are examined to determine the factors affecting the distribution of primary care physicians in rural counties of Virginia. Consistent predictors of proportions of physicians to the population were identified: golf holes per capita and the ratio of hospital beds to population were the most consistent predictors. Per capita income and the elderly population were only significant for some of the years. Variables deemed to be controllable by the community (in the short run) were generally more consistent in predicting the proportions of physicians to population.

Policy implications are discussed, and several strategies for improving access to health care in rural areas, thus altering the massive imbalance in physician to population ratio in urban and rural areas are suggested.