These 10 states posted some of the lowest 2026 Medicare practice expense GPCI among states that CMS treats as a single statewide locality, with broader price levels and selected malpractice or tax indicators adding context.
Workflow inefficiency, staffing shortages, compensation, and EHR burden remained leading concerns among physicians considering reducing clinical work or leaving their organizations.
These 10 states make it more practical for physicians to participate in hospital ownership by aligning statutory structure, corporate practice of medicine rules, and population trends.
These 10 states differ in liability laws, malpractice systems, and procedural requirements—factors that may influence legal exposure and practice conditions for physicians.