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As Alabama prepares to recognize March 30 as “Doctors Day,” healthcare leaders warn that physicians are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten patient care and access to medical services.
Governor Kay Ivey’s official proclamation honoring Doctors Day acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices made by Alabama’s approximately 13,000 licensed physicians who care for patients in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings.
Yet despite their commitment, a new report shows Alabama is now ranked as the most difficult state in the region for physicians to practice medicine — putting patient care at risk.
“Doctors dedicate their lives to caring for others, but Alabama physicians are being driven out of practice by rising costs, insurance red tape and medical liability concerns,” said Dr. Amanda Williams, president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. “If these challenges aren’t addressed, more patients will go without the care they need.”
The crisis is affecting Alabama communities. The Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic in Mobile is the latest healthcare facility to announced it will close. The clinic cited physician shortages, increased costs and declining reimbursement rates as reasons for its closure.
Key Challenges Facing Alabama’s Physicians:
- Alabama ranks worst in its region for physician compensation, burnout rates and healthcare spending.
- Rising costs are pushing overhead expenses to nearly 70 percent for some practices.
- Physician burnout is widespread, with more than one-third of Alabama doctors citing financial strain and administrative burdens.
- Prior authorization delays are limiting patient access to care, with some patients waiting weeks or longer for treatment approvals.
- Medical liability pressures have made Alabama less attractive for new physicians, worsening recruitment and retention efforts.
How This Impacts Patients and Communities
- Alabama has one of the lowest physician-to-patient ratios in the nation, worsening access to care, especially in rural communities.
- At least 600 more primary care physicians will be needed by 2030 just to maintain current levels of patient access to care.
- Shrinking access means longer wait times, fewer specialists and limited care options for Alabamians.
Physician leaders are calling on policymakers and insurers to address key issues such as Medicare reimbursement rates, prior authorization reform and medical liability reform to prevent further loss of doctors and to protect patient care.
