Numerous areas of the United States have an inadequate supply of primary care physicians and the shortfall is expected to grow and spread. To address these concerns, as well as to improve the quality of the care delivered, health policy experts have recommended that medical practices transform to embrace “team-based” care, encouraging a broader range of medical staff working together.

This article examines different medical staffing patterns in community health centers across the country, the impact of staffing on productivity, staff roles, and the factors associated with staffing patterns.