My lede:

Wide regional variations in physician supply have little effect on patient perceptions of access to care and the quality of medical care patients receive, according to a new study.

An article in the February Health Affairs reported the results of a nationwide survey of more than 2,500 Medicare beneficiaries. Although the number of physicians per capita varies by 200% to 300% across the country, the surveyed patients responded similarly to questions such as whether they have a personal physician, have seen a doctor in the last year and are satisfied with their care.

Read the whole shebang.