PM&R in rural areas

[HarveyCushing]

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Does anyone know what the minimum patient population one would need to sustain a PM&R practice? I'm not sure I want to work in a large city at this point in my life, and would enjoy working in a smaller town of 50-80,000. Can a physiatrist really survive in a rural area, or do you need to be in a large city to get the #'s that you need to have a successful practice? I'm sure if you diversify your practice in a rural area it would be easier, right?

 

[211519]

Does anyone know what the minimum patient population one would need to sustain a PM&R practice? I'm not sure I want to work in a large city at this point in my life, and would enjoy working in a smaller town of 50-80,000. Can a physiatrist really survive in a rural area, or do you need to be in a large city to get the #'s that you need to have a successful practice? I'm sure if you diversify your practice in a rural area it would be easier, right?

I'd be interested in the answer to this question too. I'm not a fan of huge urban areas.

 

[axm397]

The most financially successful physiatrists I know practice in rural areas. You have to know what you want to do (inpatient, outpatient, EMG, mix, etc) and what the needs are of the community (best to talk to PCPs who are referral sources).

 

[RUOkie]

I practice in a town of 48K with a catchment area of >300K. I am 50 miles from the closest urban center. I am actually one of two PM&R docs in town. I can't speak for how he is doing, but I am doing great. I cover part of an inpt. unit (I am NOT the director), have a thriving outpt practice of mostly MSK, but will literally see all comers. I have severe TBI's in my practice, >10 chronic SCI patients. I do a ton of EMG (>550/yr for the past 5 years). The problem with this type of community, is that if you want to have a practice like mine, you have to work very hard. I work 7 d/ wk and keep my cell phone on even when I'm out of town. Despite that I LOVE my job and my practice. Our community of physicians really support each other. 😍

For any other details, PM me.