Memphis Anticipates Worsening Doc Shortage Under ACA

Federal law expected to drive demand even as physician numbers fall short

Alarm bells sounded years ago for a coming doctor shortage in Memphis, then rang louder at the thought of thousands of new patients surging into doctors' offices with health insurance from the Affordable Care Act.

Shelby County needs nine more primary care doctors, according to August 2012 numbers from the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal agency. They're needed in the low-income areas of northwest Memphis/Frayser as well as in southwest Memphis, the federal agency said.