ABSTRACT
A model is presented that can estimate the total number and specialty mix of health care providers needed to serve a defined population. Military commanders in charge of TRICARE regions, known as "lead agents," can use this model to estimate the provider workforce composition needed to serve their area. Physician staffing patterns front managed-care organizations help define the provider-to-patient proportions on which this model is based. Data needed to perform the model's computations are derived from the regional enrolled beneficiary population and the number of active duty providers. As a result, the model provides an estimate of the number and type of civilian providers that need to be contracted to adequately serve the regional military network.
