Greater Cincinnati area suffering from physician shortage

The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas are suffering from a shortage of physicians, especially in specialties such as dermatology and cardiac care. (Source: "Patients in area wait longer for fewer practitioners," Cincinnati Enquirer, Feb. 11, 2008.) "The region has about 4,900 doctors now, 748 fewer than it should have for its population, according to the Cincinnati MD Resource Center, formed three years ago to combat the shortage. Doctors claim low pay from insurers is causing the shortage, while insurers are dealing with companies that want to constantly lower costs. Those who hire doctors say it's difficult to attract new ones to the region unless they have family here or have lived here before."