A study on financial viability of clinics and physician practices in under-served areas of Wisconsin: summary of results with recommendations.

A survey of 21 physicians and clinic managers located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and other under-served areas in Wisconsin found that to combat increasing costs, low reimbursement rates, and increasing charity care demands, several practices rely on outside sources of funding to remain financially viable. Also, the financial viability of physician practices in under-served areas of Wisconsin is threatened more by the low reimbursement rates of Medicaid and Medicare than by the provision of charity care. Though few are limiting the number of Medicare and uninsured patients they will treat, many have begun implementing cost containment measures, including more strict collection policies. There are also indications of restricted access for Medicaid patients.