Why Physicians Should Practice Medicine in Pennsylvania

Family physician Bill Parke, based in Lancaster, Pa., recently told Physicians Practice what he loves about practicing in The Keystone State.

What do you love most about practicing in Pennsylvania?
I have enjoyed practicing in Pennsylvania (and specifically in the Lancaster area) because it is pleasant community with good people; it has a healthy economy; and a good medical support community with a full breadth of specialists, hospital services, etc. I trained at the local Lancaster General Health Family Practice Residency Program that also attracted good people and I feel a high level of support for primary care here.

The cost of living is good. Population density was sufficient to support the growth of my practice and for adding associates over the years. The malpractice climate is also quite reasonable, with good support for preventive care.

What don't you enjoy or would change about practicing in Pennsylvania?I can't say much negative about Pennsylvania medical practice. But in general (everywhere), there is more bureaucracy, time spent documenting for insurances and government; which I am not convinced actually equals better patient care and outcomes. It certainly doesn't help efficiency and overhead costs.

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