KINGMAN, AZ April 25, 2019—Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC) announced the results of an independent economic-impact study released Tuesday. The study shows that Mohave County would see a significant positive economic impact if a state legislative proposal to combat the physician shortage is passed.

Senate Bill (SB) 1354, if passed, would enable KRMC to increase the number of physician residents it trains through state funding that was cut more than a decade ago.

The study, prepared by Rounds Consulting Group, Inc., indicates expanding KRMC’s physician residency program could result in creating 203 new jobs and generating $215 million in economic impact over ten years.  According to Mr. Jim Rounds, the consulting firm’s President and Chief Economist, “The true impact is likely to be even bigger.”

The benefits of educating additional physician residents at KRMC aren’t exclusively economic. SB1354 would help alleviate Mohave County’s physician shortage, which results in limited access to medical care. Rounds continued, “We have an opportunity to increase the number of physicians in rural parts of the state.”

Mohave County has a severe physician shortage. 61% of residents live in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).  And it’s only going to get worse. An analysis conducted by the Robert Graham Center indicates Mohave County will be short 39 primary care physicians in 2030.

“With more and more doctors electing to stay here after they graduate, KRMC’s resident training program has had an impact on our physician shortage,” says KRMC CEO Brian Turney. “If SB1354 passes and KRMC receives funding, we could expand our program and train even more skilled physicians to care for the health needs of our community.”

About Kingman Regional Medical Center

(KRMC) is a 235-bed multi-campus health care system in Kingman, Arizona that employs over 1,900 employees, 150 volunteers, and 270 physicians/allied health professionals. KRMC is the largest provider of health and wellness services in northwestern Arizona. It is home to an advanced imaging center, cancer center, cardiovascular center, rehabilitation and balance center, wound care center, sleep disorders center, acute rehabilitation specialty hospital, primary and specialty care clinics, hospice home, and beautiful wellness center. KRMC is also a teaching hospital offering residencies in emergency medicine and family medicine and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The hospital received the Arizona Innovation Award for its efforts to proactively enhance healthcare in a rural community. The hospital’s vision is to provide the region’s best clinical care and patient service through an environment that fosters respect for others and pride in performance. For more information visit www.azkrmc.com.

Full Study HERE