New Hampshire health report reveals alarming drop in primary care physicians

The New Hampshire Health and Human Services Oversight Committee convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss pressing issues regarding the state's healthcare workforce. A significant concern raised during the meeting was the alarming trend of healthcare practitioners, particularly primary care physicians, anticipating leaving the profession. Currently, one in five practitioners across the United States is expected to exit the field within the next five years, a statistic that includes younger professionals, not just those nearing retirement.

Danielle Hernandez, administrator of the Health Professions Data Center, presented the 2024 report on the New Hampshire healthcare workforce, highlighting critical data collected during the 2022 fiscal year. The report revealed that while there has been a notable increase in the number of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), primary care physicians are facing a concerning decline. Specifically, 15% of primary care physicians indicated they do not plan to practice clinically in the state within five years, exacerbating the existing challenges in accessing primary care, especially in rural areas.

The committee discussed the implications of these workforce trends, particularly the growing reliance on APRNs and Physician Assistants (PAs) to fill gaps in primary care services. APRNs have shown a net supply increase of 42%, significantly outpacing the growth of physicians, who only saw a 6% increase. This shift is crucial as APRNs are becoming essential providers in rural regions, where access to primary care is already limited.

The meeting also touched on the importance of data collection and analysis in shaping healthcare policy. The Health Professions Data Center serves as a vital resource for understanding workforce dynamics, helping to inform recruitment and retention strategies, and supporting educational programs aimed at bolstering the healthcare workforce.

As the committee prepares for its next meeting on May 16, the discussions underscore the urgent need for strategic planning to address the anticipated shortages in primary care providers and ensure that New Hampshire residents have access to necessary healthcare services. The outcomes of this meeting will play a critical role in shaping future initiatives aimed at strengthening the state's healthcare system.