Benefits to these areas include FQHC funding and increased reimbursement rates for Medicaid. Data submitted is reviewed for accuracy by the Health Professions Resource Center. Further verification may be required. It is not expected to be released for 18-24 months. 800 comments about the last proposed formula gave the Division of Shortage Designation a lot to think about.
Designation is a thankless job.
It is very time and labor intense and the Federal Division of Designation has the final say in whether the area is designated. An area, facility, or population group with a demonstrated shortage of primary care, dental or mental health providers. Insufficient capacity is indicated by excessive waiting times, high visit per FTE ratio, and providers not accepting new patients. Additionally, for primary care, excessive ER use indicates insufficient capacity. Indicators of need for dental care such as the poverty rate and fluoridation are also considered as well as indicators of insufficient capacity to meet existing needs.