Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the distribution of otolaryngology providers within Pennsylvania. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: State of Pennsylvania. METHODS: Otolaryngologists in Pennsylvania were analyzed based on their associated state Area Deprivation Indexes (ADIs) and Rural-Urban Commuting (RUCA) Codes, as determined by census tract data. RESULTS: Of 563 otolaryngology providers identified in Pennsylvania, 477 (83.7%) had office addresses with available RUCA codes and 446 (79.2%) with associated ADI measures. Providers were predominantly located in urban settings, with 466 (93.5%) reporting a primary clinic address in a metropolitan area (RUCA 1-3) and 25 (5.2%) in a micropolitan area (RUCA 3-6). Notably, only 4 (0.8%) providers had primary clinic addresses in small towns (RUCA 7-9) and 2 (0.4%) in rural areas (RUCA 10). Similarly, 171 (38.3%) of providers were situated in areas with an ADI in the top 2 deciles (1-2), while only 56 (12.6%) had clinic addresses in deciles 9-10 (most deprived areas). CONCLUSION: Pennsylvania faces disparities in access to otolaryngology providers based on socioeconomic and urban-rural workforce distribution.