Changes in the distribution of physicians in rural areas of Minnesota, 1965-85.

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the physician-population ratio in non-SMSA Minnesota counties between 1965 and 1985 using county specific data published by the American Medical Association. The physician-population ratio actually decreased by 2 per cent for primary care physicians and by 11 per cent for family practitioners in the non-SMSA counties. The large increase in the number of physicians in Minnesota has not translated into improved access to primary care physicians in Minnesota's rural areas.