Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Mapper

Practices in geographic Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) should receive 10% bonus payments on Medicare services rendered and be eligible for other federal programs, yet many providers in HPSAs are unaware of their status and some bonus payments are not received by eligible providers. Type in your address below to see whether your practice might be eligible for HPSA bonus payments.

What is a HPSA? Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) are counties or portions of counties in the United States that have the lowest ratio of primary care physicians to population. These designations are made by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to designate counties in need of additional primary care providers. Additionally, Medicare pays a 10 percent bonus to physicians who deliver services in geographic HPSAs, though research has revealed concerns that not all eligible physicians are receiving their payments.

How does working in a HPSA help my practice? Section 413(a) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 [3-page PDF; About PDFs] provides for a 10 percent incentive payment to physicians who deliver services in HPSAs. In expanding this benefit, Congress attempted to assure the continued availability of health care professionals in underserved communities.

How are HPSAs calculated? Primary care and specialty care HPSA designations are determined by the ratio of primary and specialty physicians to total population in a given county.

Is my practice eligible for a bonus payment? HealthLandscape mapping tools and map products are intended for informational purposes only. To determine whether you or your practice meets HPSA bonus payment eligibility requirements, visit the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) website.

More information from the Graham Center about HPSAs:
• See what happens if Family Physicians are removed from HPSAs in your state.
• Make your own customized HPSA withdrawal map using HealthLandscape.
• Learn about potential threats to the HPSA bonus payment for primary care.