Data Report: 2017 Indiana Physician Licensure Survey

Abstract

The Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy (Bowen Center) has a rich history of collecting, analyzing and disseminating health workforce data and research for the State of Indiana. These efforts are important to informing health workforce policy and planning initiatives throughout the State. The physician workforce has long been regarded as the backbone of the health care system, making the collection and dissemination of timely data on supply and distribution critical to informing these initiatives. The 2017 Indiana Physician Licensure Survey Data Report presents key information collected from the physician licensure survey administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency during the biennial license renewal cycle. As of November 2017, 27,473 physicians renewed their Indiana medical license. Of these, 11,085 self-identified as actively practicing in medicine and had a license address located within the State of Indiana. Demographically, the majority of Indiana’s physician workforce is male, white and non-Hispanic. Data demonstrate demographic shifts are occurring among Indiana physicians as a larger percentage of female physicians are in younger age groups as compared to male physicians. This is expected as more female physicians are entering this workforce. Data on the practice characteristics, specialty and geographic distribution, of Indiana physicians suggest trends similar to those observed nationally. The majority of Indiana’s physician workforce is concentrated in populous, urban areas, and over 60% of physicians report a specialty other than a primary care (Family Medicine/General Practice, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology) or psychiatric (Adult/Child Psychiatry) specialty. Additional details on the demographic and practice characteristics of Indiana’s physician workforce are described and presented in this report. In addition to providing information on the overall physician workforce, this report also contains sub-sections specifically dedicated to primary care physicians and psychiatrists. The 2017 Indiana Physician Licensure Survey Data Report is a snapshot of Indiana’s physician workforce and offers key information that can be used to determine the best practices for improving health care for Indiana residents.