NY comptroller’s report finds major gap in rural health care providers

ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) - A new report shows New York’s North Country is severely lacking in health care providers.

The New York State Comptroller’s Office report, “ The Doctor is … Out Shortages of Health Professionals in Rural Areas ," says rural communities have nearly half of the primary care doctors available per 10,000 residents compared to the statewide average.

The report looked at 16 counties, including Essex and Franklin. It shows provider availability is far below the state average in almost every profession, including mental health.

New York State Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli says he’s worried that it could worsen with looming federal cuts. “These Medicaid cuts that are coming out of Washington could really put some of our rural hospitals -- that are already operating on a very