A Post-COVID Population-Based Analysis of Mohs Micrographic Surgeon Distribution in the United States

Abstract

BACKGROUND Policy changes to Mohs micrographic surgery board certification eligibility and population shifts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic have significant implications for the accessibility of Mohs micrographic surgeons across the United States. OBJECTIVE To examine the geographic distribution of micrographic surgery providers considering recent population trends and assess the impact of certification eligibility changes and population shifts on accessibility. METHODS AND MATERIALS Medicare claims data were utilized to identify micrographic surgery providers. Surgeon densities were calculated per 100,000 people by county and state. Population changes were analyzed using US census data. RESULTS Practicing micrographic surgeons were concentrated in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Overall, 80.4% of counties lacked micrographic surgery providers, with rural areas being the most underserved. Population changes varied among states. CONCLUSION Shifts in micrographic surgery certification requirements, US population distribution, and micrographic surgeon location emphasize challenges in accessibility, especially in rural areas across the United States.