Addressing The Impending Gastroenterologist Shortage

As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, gastroenterology is set to face some of the highest physician deficits. According to projections from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) by 2025, seven out of the eleven subspecialties within Internal Medicine are expected to face physician shortages. Among these projections, gastroenterology is forecasted to have the second-largest deficit of physicians, with a shortage of 1,630 FTEs.

Shifting Gastroenterology Workforce

There are 18,756 active gastroenterologists in the United States, with over 50% nearing retirement age within the next decade. As a result, the gastroenterology workforce is facing a growing imbalance, with the gap between available gastroenterologists and rising demands for GI services expected to widen in the coming decade. 

Factors Behind the Gastroenterologist Shortage

Aging Population

An aging population continues to be the driving force behind the increasing demands for care, particularly in specialized fields such as gastroenterology. 

Now and in the years ahead, it will become critical for healthcare facilities to anticipate and adjust staffing strategies for gastroenterology services to account for the aging population.

Increased GI Physician Demand

Gastroenterologists nationwide are experiencing a surge in demand for services. This increase is primarily attributed to the aging population. However, additional factors, such as a growing number of younger individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, have prompted a significant change in screening guidelines, further intensifying the need for gastroenterologists.

Limited Number of GI Fellowship Positions

The increasing demand for gastroenterology services, driven by the aging population and evolving healthcare needs, presents a significant challenge when it comes to training and replenishing the workforce.

GI Trends

Declining Reimbursement Rates

Rising procedure costs—including equipment, staffing, and other overhead expenses—are making it more difficult for gastroenterologists to maintain independent practices. Consequently, many gastroenterologists are either leaving the field or seeking employment with larger health systems to offset these financial pressures and secure better reimbursement rates.

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Overcoming the Gastroenterologist Shortage

Implementing GI Hospitalists for Hospitals: A GI hospitalist model streamlines inpatient gastroenterology care, optimizing resources and reducing costs. These specialists also enhance revenue generation by billing for their services, driving measurable financial growth for hospitals. By strategically incorporating a specialized GI hospitalist model, hospitals can ensure patients receive timely and expert care for gastrointestinal services. 

Telemedicine: In gastroenterology, patient diagnosis can range from minor conditions to more severe conditions that require continuous patient care and monitoring. Telemedicine makes managing these conditions easier and less time-consuming for both patients and gastroenterologists.

Gastroenterology Locum Tenens: As healthcare facilities confront unforeseen provider turnover, increasing attrition rates, and a growing number of GI retirements, locum tenens emerge as a critical solution for maintaining seamless GI care. By incorporating gastroenterology locum tenens, healthcare facilities can ensure uninterrupted care, effectively manage surges in patient demand, and offer essential relief to their permanent gastroenterologists.

For a comprehensive look into the factors driving the impending gastroenterologist shortage and strategies for ensuring continuous access to GI care, we invite you to download our complete report by filling out the form above.