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KFF Data Shows Internal Medicine Leads Primary Care Workforce Mix
KFF analyzed Redi-Data figures on active, licensed U.S. primary care physicians as of this September, finding 576,793 professionally active primary care physicians nationwide. Internal medicine accounts for the largest share at 48%, followed by family medicine/general practice at 24.3%, pediatrics at 17.6%, and obstetrics and gynecology at 10.1%. The analysis, reported by Becker's Hospital Review, also includes state-specific breakdowns. The data highlights workforce distribution patterns across primary care subspecialties as an aging population increases demand for certain types of care.
Why it mattersWorkforce composition data like this informs state and health plan network adequacy planning, particularly for Medicaid programs assessing primary care access and specialty gaps such as OB-GYN shortages.