On national needs for neurologists in the United States.

Estimates of the number of neurologists needed in the United States have been widely divergent. For direct patient care needs alone in a US population of 243.5 million, the Joint Commission on Neurology (ANA-AAN) estimate was 14,000 neurologist, the Delphi Panel median (Battelle/GMENAC) 11,200, and the Advisory Panel (Battelle/GMENAC) 6,200; our review suggests a need for 12,600. Total needs for clinical neurologists including faculty were 8,400 (Advisory Panel), 14,500 (Delphi Panel), and 16,500 (ours) for respective rates of 3.44, 5.96, and 6.76 neurologists per 100,000 population.