Board Meets with Ciscomani’s Office on Physician Shortage

Pima County is facing a severe shortage of physicians. The Pima County Medical Society Board of Directors knows that if this situation does not change, the quality of healthcare in our community will be severely challenged. Recent closing of several specialty practices and a long-standing shortage of primary care providers already have patients facing long waits for appointments or long-distance travel to receive the care they need.

The PCMS Board of Directors met with Nicholas Ayers, a staff member from the office of U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani, at the board meeting on June 27, to discuss ways to solve the growing shortage problem. Increases in Medicare reimbursement rates and additional residency (GME) opportunities were among the topics discussed. Both programs require major changes to help physicians stay in practice and remain in our community.

Board members let Mr. Ayers know how critical the situation is in Pima County and the need for assistance from his office. While no specific promises were made, Mr. Ayers said he would talk with Representative Ciscomani about the shortage and the board’s concerns.

PCMS is scheduling meetings with additional government officials to address a shortage that is putting our physicians and patients at risk.