Mapping the Gap: Geographic Disparities in Otolaryngologist Availability Versus Patient Demand in the U.S.

Highlight

• Significant geographic disparities exist between otolaryngologist availability and patient digital interest across U.S. states.
• Mississippi, Nevada, and Oklahoma showed the highest relative demand index (RDI), indicating undersupply relative to patient demand.
• States such as South Dakota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota were identified as oversupplied based on their otolaryngologist workforce density and low digital demand.
• The study supports the value of digital tools like Google Trends in health workforce planning to identify underserved regions.

Study Background