In the News

Dr. Steven Kaptik: Fewer doctors are in private practice in WA. Here’s what that means

The Seattle Times

(August 25, 2025)

Every one of Washington’s 39 counties is now designated at least a partial “health professional shortage area” by the federal government, meaning there aren’t enough doctors overall, or in certain specialties, to meet patients’ needs. Rural areas, in particular, are struggling to attract and retain enough physicians.

Medicare’s flawed reimbursement formula deserves some of the blame for this ongoing, worsening shortage. For years, Medicare’s pay for “independent” doctors unaffiliated with hospitals has been on the decline — even as it’s been rising for hospitals.

Read the full article at The Seattle Times

About the American Independent Medical Practice Association

The American Independent Medical Practice Association is a physician-led national advocacy organization representing more than 600 independent medical practices that provide quality, affordable health care for more than 25 million patients each year.

These independent practices are critical access points for health care across the country — at more than 4,200 medical office locations and over 575 independent ambulatory surgery centers in 45 states and the District of Columbia.

We advocate on behalf of more than 12,000 physicians caring for patients in the fields of Primary Care and Internal Medicine as well as the specialties of Cardiology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Hematology/Medical Oncology, Nephrology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Radiation Oncology, Urology, Urgent Care, Vascular Medicine, and Women’s Health.

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Brigit Wolf
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