Description of the Indicator
The total number of primary care physicians in the four counties and statewide is reflected in this indicator. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps describes primary care physicians as those providing clinical care.
Why is it important?
Measuring the number of primary care physicians in each area offers insight into a community’s access to care and enhances understanding of the impact of primary care on health. Patients who visit primary care physicians consistently position themselves for better long-term health and well-being. Tracking this dataset can also point to potential shortages and workforce development needs.
How is the region performing?
Overall, the number of primary care physicians increased from 2021 to 2022 in all geographies except Wyoming County. The number of primary physicians in Wyoming County remained relatively consistent. In Luzerne County and Wayne County, there are fewer primary care physicians than there were in 2011. Wayne County’s decline of 23.1 percent is the most significant. Conversely, the number of primary care physicians increased in Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties and Pennsylvania between 2011 and 2022, with a notable increase of 25.9 percent in Lackawanna County.