Primary care providers

Sufficient availability of primary care physicians increases the likelihood of regular medical care and is correlated with improved health outcomes. Communities that lack primary care providers typically have community members who delay necessary care when sick, which can lead to conditions becoming severe and complicated. In addition, limited access may also force some residents to access medical care through emergency departments, which are poorly equipped to serve the long-term needs of patients.

55

Primary care providers per 100k in Clark County in 2016

57

Primary care providers per 100k in Nevada in 2016

75

Primary care providers per 100k in the U.S. in 2016

Southern Nevada's primary care provider rate remains stagnant, well below U.S. level

Despite efforts to attract more doctors to the state and region in recent years, the number of primary care physicians per 100,000 residents in Southern Nevada has remained at 55 since 2012. During this time, the region's continued population growth has offset increases in the number of physicians practicing in Southern Nevada.

Rates statewide aren't much better. At 57 primary care physicians per 100,000 as of 2015, Nevada sits near the bottom in state rankings. Nationally, the primary care provider rate was 76, nearly 30 percent higher than in Southern Nevada, according to the latest data.

About the data

The Primary Care Physician rate, calculated by County Health Rankings, is the ratio of the population to primary care physicians. Primary care physicians include practicing non-federal physicians (M.D.’s and D.O.’s) under age 75 specializing in general practice medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.

The annual County Health Rankings measure vital health factors in nearly every county in the U.S. The annual rankings provide a snapshot of how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program is a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

To learn more about primary care providers in  Southern Nevada or for additional information on the data presented above, contact Southern Nevada Strong.

Last updated: October 2018