Rural health care providers are fighting the doctor drain

Dec. 10—OROFINO — When Ann Lima goes into work at her clinic, she knows she'll be treating patients with a range of unique health care needs. She'll rely on phone calls with specialists, and she'll do her best to stay up to date on the broad scope of issues she may encounter.

As a full spectrum health care provider in a small town, Lima said, she's seen an increasing number of people with high medical needs. Idaho has one of the fastest-growing populations in the nation, with many newer residents working remotely. But it still ranks lowest in the country in its number of physicians per capita.