Page 3 - Executive Summary BC II - final

2. A stressed health care delivery system

• Yes - the health care system in Southern Maryland is stressed.
• It is tough to get a doctor's appointment
• Patients are pushed back time wise
• There are Medicare payment issues
• Uninsured go to the emergency room
• Questions about a "qualified health care system" and centers for underserved areas. It was noted that the
Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in
Brandywine Baden accepts most insurance and serve the uninsured as well. We offer sliding scale fees
for medical services based on your income, if you are not eligible for any state insurance programs.

3. Health care provider and workforce shortage

• Some of the trends in the health care workforce are that more women than men are in medical school -
which leads to lifestyle changes that impact on and challenge recruiting in our area.
• Graduates of health care education and training institutions who are gay or lesbian are less attracted to
rural areas.
• There are significant pay differentials - urban to rural.
• Malpractice insurance issues and cost work against attracting health professionals to the area.
• It is projected that in the next five years 20 more family physicians will be needed. It is hard to keep the
current number that we have.
• If you grew up here, you are more likely to be willing to come back here to practice.
• Residency training in rural areas helps.
• There is a general changing ethos about work and lifestyle that makes rural practice less attractive.

4. An Aging rural population

• Growing rapidly
• Needs increasing
• Problems with medical reimbursement
• Systems in place to help with care - but the need outstrips the availability
• Changing lifestyles reduce care options for older population. Children no longer able to care for elderly
parents.
• Need for emotional and physical support.
• Challenge of cost containment - need for better system to minimize unnecessary care
• People drive costs

5. A sicker more at risk population

• Often manifested in children and youth - e.g. underage drinking and substance abuse
• Obesity
• Higher incidence of diabetes
• Racial differential in health care needs
6. Need for Preventive care, health and wellness resources

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