Modern Physician magazine reports that a study released by the U.S. General Accounting Office concluded that the number of physicians in the U.S. increased by 21% between 1991 and 2001. The biggest increases were reported in rural counties with large towns.
In 1991, the average number of physicians per 100,000 people was 214, and in 2001 it was 239. In metropolitan areas, the number per 100,000 grew from 242 to 267.
The report can be accessed by visiting www.gao.gov .