100% access, zero health disparities, and GIS: an improved methodology for designating health professions shortage areas.

The (Health Professions Shortage Areas) HPSA designation process was developed as a mechanism to identify primary care shortage areas eligible for participation in specific federally funded programs including a 10% Medicare supplement, the National Health Service Corps, and health professions training programs. The purpose of this paper was to explore the utility of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology as an improved methodology for obtaining HPSA designation status for geographic areas. Results showed that GIS identified 24 Medical Services Study Areas (rational planning areas) in Los Angeles County that met the minimum 3500:1 population-to-primary-care physician ratio for geographic area HPSA designation compared to only three that currently are identified. Authors concluded that restructuring of the state/county responsibilities for HPSA designation is long overdue and that use of GIS as a required methodology would help ensure that all areas in any state that meet the intent of federal legislation are included.