Report: Mass. facing critical doctor shortage

According to a new report, Massachusetts is facing a critical shortage of doctors needed to make its landmark health care law a success.

The report by the Massachusetts Medical Society says at least a dozen physician specialties -- including oncology, neurology, and dermatology -- are facing shortages. Doctors practicing the primary care specialties of internal medicine and family medicine are also in short supply.

The report said the state needs to do a better job recruiting and retaining doctors, especially for community hospitals.

The society, which represents more than 20,000 doctors and medical students, said Massachusetts also needs to be more welcoming to doctors, in part by changing malpractice laws and increasing doctors' pay.

Massachusetts' landmark health care law is designed to mandate insurance for nearly all residents.
   
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)