Estimating the need for additional primary care physicians.

A systems approach is used to assess the primary health care delivery system in Indiana. The output (office visits) of primary care physicians is estimated and compared with the demand for their services. Indexes of demand, supply, cost, and need are derived and used to determine the additional number of primary care physicians needed in each area. The results of this study are being used to encourage graduating medical students to practice in areas in need of additional primary medical care.