After analyzing physician density, malpractice coverage, insurance competition, medical board activity, insurance mix, income tax and cost of living from across the country, Medscape released the best and worst places to practice in the United States. The report broke out best and worst states in each geographic region:
Southwest and south central region
Best state: Utah, with a high rate of employer-provided insurance and low instance of serious state board medical action. However, regional physician compensation rates are low.
Worst state: Arizona where there are high malpractice premiums and a low percentage of employer-sponsored coverage.
West and northwest region
Best state: Idaho, where physicians are needed and the cost of liability insurance is low. However, the state's top insurers control around 75 percent of the market.
Worst state: Alaska, where there is a high cost of living and one dominant insurer.
Southeast region
Best state: Georgia, where there is favorable compensation and a growing population, and the insurance market is competitive. However, there is a high percentage of uninsured and unemployed in the state.
Worst state: Florida where there are high malpractice premiums, unemployment rates and foreclosures, and the environment is highly litigious.
Mid-Atlantic region
Best state: Virginia, with a low cost of living and over half of the population is insured. However, there is one dominant insurer and low physician compensation in the region.
Worst state: Washington, DC, with a high poverty rate, cost of living and physician density.
Great lakes and north central region
Best state: South Dakota, with low malpractice costs and competitive insurance market. There is also no state income tax. However, there is a high percentage of actions against physicians.
Worst state: Illinois, with high practice expenses and a Supreme Court that overturned malpractice reform legislation.
Northeast region
Best state: New Hampshire, with a high percentage of employer sponsored coverage, no sales or income tax and a low density of physicians. However, the region has low physician compensation.
Worst state: Connecticut, with high malpractice premiums, a dominant insurer and low physician compensation.
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