Using State All-Payer Claims Data to Identify the Active Primary Care Workforce: A Novel Study in Virginia

• DOI: 10.1370/afm.2854
• Publication Date: 2022-09-26T22:55:17Z
• Authors: Alison N. Huffste...; Roy T. Sabo; Martin Lavallee; Ben Webel; Paulette Lail Kas...; Jacquelyn Britz; Mark Carrozza; Michael Topmiller; Elizabeth R. Wolf; Beth A. Bortz; Ashley M. Edwards; Alex H. Krist
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Primary Health Care; Virginia; Workforce; Humans; Medicine; United States; Specialization; 3. Good health

PURPOSE Primary care is the foundation of health workforce and only part that extends life improves equity. Previous research on geographic specialty distribution physicians has relied American Medical Association’s Masterfile, but these data have limitations overestimate workforce. METHODS We present a pragmatic, systematic, more accurate method for identifying primary using National Plan Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Virginia All-Payer Claims Database (VA-APCD). Between 2015 2019, we identified all their through NPPES. Active were defined by at least 1 claim in VA-APCD. Specialty was determined hierarchically Wellness visits used to identify non–family medicine who providing care. RESULTS In there 20,976 active Virginia, whom 5,899 (28.1%) classified as Of this physician workforce, 52.4% family physicians; remaining internal (18.5%), pediatricians (16.8%), obstetricians gynecologists (11.8%), other specialists (0.5%). Over 5 years, counts relative percentages made up remained relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS Our novel with scope provides realistic size smaller than some previous estimates. Although should be expanded include advanced practice clinicians further delineate practice, simple approach can policy makers, payers, planners ensure adequate capacity.