Rural Iowa Hit Hard by Rheumatologist Shortage Crisis

Iowans battling arthritis and autoimmune diseases are facing a growing crisis in healthcare access. A new study reveals that Iowa ranks among the worst states in the nation for rheumatologist availability, and rural communities are bearing the brunt of the shortage. By 2037, nonmetropolitan areas across the country will have less than 19% of the specialists they need, leaving millions of Americans in rural areas without critical care.

How bad is the rheumatologist shortage in Iowa?

The research, published in Arthritis Care & Research, places Iowa alongside Idaho, West Virginia, Nevada, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Wyoming as the states with the lowest workforce adequacy in 2025. While the national supply of rheumatologists is expected to grow by 12.4% by 2037, demand is also surging. Overall, national workforce adequacy is only projected to reach 89.5% by 2037, meaning the country will still face a significant deficit of these specialists.

Why are rural communities left behind?

The geographic divide in healthcare access is staggering. Metropolitan areas currently enjoy a 97.3% adequacy rate for rheumatologists, which is projected to reach 99.3% by 2037. Meanwhile, nonmetropolitan areas are left in the dust with a mere 17.5% adequacy in 2025, inching up to only 18.5% by 2037.

For rural Iowans, this translates to long drives, delayed diagnoses, and worsened health outcomes. Meanwhile, the Northeast sits comfortably with a surplus, projecting a 128% adequacy by 2037. The South remains the lowest region at just 73.4% adequacy. It is a familiar story of coastal elites and urban centers hoarding resources while heartland communities are ignored.

What solutions are researchers proposing?

The study authors argue that policymakers need to step up, particularly in states facing the most severe shortfalls.