“Even before the state began mandating on July 1 that virtually all residents have health insurance, patients were having trouble getting to see primary care physicians. That problem will likely worsen now that thousands of newly insured residents will be seeking regular care, not just emergency room attention for their ills and injuries. Public and private sector officials should be planning now to ensure that the state’s corps of primary care physicians expands with the need. At the heart of the shortage is the difference between typical reimbursements for primary care doctors and specialists. The former can expect to earn $160,000 a year, according to national data, while OB/GYNs earn an average $230,000 and dermatologists $300,000. Such a gap in earning potential looms large to young doctors completing medical school with $100,000 to $200,000 in debt.” (07/29/07)