Distribution, Concentration, and Health Care Implications of Naturopathic Physicians in the United States

Abstract

Naturopathic physicians receive rigorous instruction through an accredited naturopathic school. Studies examining naturopaths from a geographic perspective are rare; therefore, it is important to acquire, process, and analyze data on the availability of and accessibility to naturopathic physicians (NDs) in the United States. What factors influence the locations of naturopaths? Multiple regression techniques indicated that population density and distance from naturopathic school explained more than 69% of the distribution. These same factors are also known to describe the locations of medical doctors (MDs). The implication is that the current distribution of NDs does not dramatically improve patients’ access to primary health care providers.