RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Shortage of Neurologists – We Must Act Now
JF Neurology
JO Neurology
FD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
SP 1122
OP 1134
DO 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012111
VO 96
IS 24
A1 Majersik, Jennifer J.
A1 Ahmed, Aiesha
A1 Chen, I-Hweii A.
A1 Shill, Holly
A1 Hanes, Gregory P.
A1 Pelak, Victoria S.
A1 Hopp, Jennifer L.
A1 Omuro, Antonio
A1 Kluger, Benzi
A1 Leslie-Mazwi, Thabele
YR 2021
UL http://n.neurology.org/content/96/24/1122.abstract
AB In nearly every US state, a large mismatch exists between the need for neurologists and neurologic services and the availability of neurologists to provide these services. Patients with neurologic disorders are rising in prevalence and require access to high-level care to reduce disability. The current neurology mismatch reduces access to care, worsens patient outcomes, and erodes career satisfaction and quality of life for neurologists as they face increasingly insurmountable demands. As a community, we must address this mismatch in the demand and supply of neurologic care in an aggressive and sustained manner to ensure the future health of our patients and our specialty. The American Academy of Neurology has multiple ongoing initiatives to help reduce and resolve the existing mismatch. With the intent of raising awareness and widening the debate nationally, we present a strategic plan that the Academy could implement to coordinate and expand existing efforts. We characterize the suggested strategies as shaping the demand, enhancing the workforce, and advocating for neurologist value. The proposed framework is based on available data and expert opinion when data were lacking. Prioritization of strategies will vary by geography, practice setting, and local resources. The time to act is now to allow concerted effort and targeted interventions to avert this looming public health crisis.AAFP=American Academy of Family Physicians; AAN=American Academy of Neurology; ACP=American College of Physicians; APM=alternative payment model; APP=advanced practice provider; CME=continuing medical education; ECHO=Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes; IMG=international medical graduate; PCP=primary care provider; SIGN=Student Interest Group in Neurology; TLP=Transforming Leaders Program; URM=underrepresented minorities; wRVU=work relative value unit