The health care industry has been grappling with staffing shortages in recent years, but the field of oncology is facing a particularly critical challenge. The number of oncologists, especially in rural areas, has been dwindling, creating a ripple effect on patient care and network adequacy challenges.
What are the driving forces behind the shortage?
Several factors converged to make the oncologist shortage particularly pressing:
- Medical Advancements: Improved early detection and treatment options have led to a surge in cancer survivors, increasing the demand for ongoing care.
- Uneven Distribution: Oncologists are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations with limited access to specialized care.
- Aging Workforce: The oncology workforce is aging, while the number of new physicians entering the field is decreasing.
Progress has increased the demand for care
Treatment advances have led to a massive increase in the number of cancer survivors – this figure stood at 18.1 million in 2022 and is expected to reach 21.6 million by 2030. As cancer is increasingly being recognized as a chronic health condition, it is predicted that the need for oncology specialists will only continue to grow in the decades to come. Meeting the specialty care needs of survivors may soon become a critical adequacy metric that health plans should be prepared to meet.
Geographic Imbalances + Credentialing Challenges
The current distribution of existing oncologists is also exacerbating this shortage. Rural areas are in desperate need of oncology specialists, but this is where they are least often found. The most recent survey conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology found that about 8% of all oncologists practice in rural areas. Yet, between 18% and 20% of the American population lives in these parts of the country and often have complex care requirements.
Other concerns that contribute to the workforce shortage for oncologists include a lack of funding for urban and rural cancer treatment centers. In addition, cumbersome standards and practices (such as cumbersome electronic health record systems and lengthy, detailed credentialing processes) make it increasingly difficult for oncologists to move between practice settings to help address workforce shortages.
Safeguarding Your Network Adequacy
The oncologist shortage is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. By implementing proactive strategies and partnering with experts like TOG, you can ensure your network remains adequate and continues to provide high-quality care to your members.
Despite the challenges in the oncology care landscape, there are proactive steps your provider network can begin to take now:
- Expand Telehealth: Bridge geographical gaps by incorporating telehealth providers into your network.
- Offer Incentives: Attract oncologists to rural areas with targeted incentives such as attractive reimbursement rates.
- Advocate for Change: Support streamlined credentialing and increased funding for cancer care.
- Expert Analysis: Partner with TOG for a network audit and medical economic analysis to identify vulnerabilities and strategically plan for future needs.