Federal study would map general surgeon shortages by ZIP code and hospital zone

What does this do?

HR 7198 directs the Health Resources and Services Administration to complete within one year a study on the national shortage of general surgeons and report findings to Congress. The study would examine patient wait times, health outcomes, travel distances, and whether hospitals in a given area have surgical services. Based on findings, the Secretary of Health and Human Services could establish a formal process to designate areas as general surgery shortage zones, reviewed annually.

Who does it affect?

Residents of rural communities are most directly affected, as the bill notes those areas currently have only about 69 percent of the general surgeons needed. Hospitals, medical organizations, patient groups, and doctors completing their training would also be involved or affected by resulting designations.

Why does it matter?

The bill states the existing system for labeling health professional shortage areas may not accurately identify where general surgeons specifically are lacking. Shortage designations can influence where new physicians choose or are incentivized to practice, which could shift the distribution of surgical providers over time.

Where does it stand?