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Indian Health Service: Agency Faces Ongoing Challenges Filling Provider Vacancies

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Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date Aug. 15, 2018
Release Date Aug. 15, 2018
Report No. GAO-18-580
Summary:

Indian Health Service clinics don’t have enough doctors or nurses to provide quality and timely health care to American Indian and Alaska Native people. IHS data show an average vacancy rate for physicians, nurses, and other care providers of 25%.

IHS uses multiple strategies to recruit and retain providers, including offering financial incentives and housing. However, IHS has trouble matching local market salaries and does not have enough housing to meet the demand. One way the agency tries to fill vacancies is by hiring temporary providers, although officials said this is more costly and may result in less continuity of care.

 

Photo of the sign in front of an Indian Health Service building

Photo of the sign in front of an Indian Health Service building

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