The rapid expansion of Medi-Cal patients, from the Health Care Reform Act, starting in 2013, has made it very difficult for many rural areas to meet the demand. But the CEO of Nevada County’s largest independent provider, Western Sierra Medical Clinic, says they’re making progress. Scott McFarland says new patient visits are up about 400 a month, and still rising. But he says, unlike some areas, they’ve had “some” success in recruiting general practitioners. They’ve also expanded urgent care services, including the opening of a new clinic, among other improvements…

click to listen to Scott McFarland

McFarland says the changes have also helped with accomodating new patient appointments for routine and preventative care…

click to listen to Scott McFarland

But McFarland says despite some success, there is still a major doctor and nursing shortage, which is nationwide, making recruitment even more challenging, since Western Sierra is competing with clinics all over the country.