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News
Rural gastroenterologists are doing more work with fewer resources — and the gap is widening. A new study found rural GIs perform 37% more general endoscopies per physician than urban peers, but 14% fewer advanced procedures. With rural GI workforce growth stagnating at just 8% over 11 years versus 18% in urban areas, experts are calling for targeted recruitment and expanded training in underserved communities.
Rural gastroenterologists are carrying a heavier procedural load but falling behind on specialized care, according to a study presented at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting. Researchers analyzed CMS data from 2013 to 2024 across all 50 states and found that rural GIs performed 37% more general endoscopies per physician than their urban counterparts (308 vs. 225 in 2024) — yet performed 14% fewer advanced procedures (66 vs. 75 per physician).
The workforce picture is equally concerning. While the total U.S. gastroenterologist workforce grew from 11,954 to 13,936 over the study period, the rural share actually shrank — from 5.5% to 4.6%. That means roughly 20% of the U.S. population living in rural areas is served by just 4.6% of the GI workforce.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: This study underscores a deepening geographic disparity in GI care — rural patients have access to routine endoscopy, but complex procedures remain largely out of reach. Without deliberate workforce planning and expanded training in underserved areas, this gap is only likely to grow.
