The American College of Surgeons found that more than 80% of U.S. counties do not have a practicing vascular, thoracic or transplant surgeon.
The ACS used data from the 2025 National Plan and Provider Enumeration System, CMS Provider of Services Current files and the Census Bureau to find the number of practicing surgeons by county, hospital referral area and core-based statistical area.
In vascular surgery
1. There are 4,685 vascular surgeons practicing in the U.S., a ratio of 1.4 surgeons per 100,000 people.
2. About 93% of counties, or 2,433, have no vascular surgeon.
3. Montour County, Pa., has the highest rate of vascular surgeons by population at a rate of 33.1 per 100,000. Los Angeles County has the most practicing surgeons at 147.
In thoracic surgery
1. There are 5,711 thoracic surgeons practicing across the nation, with a rate of 1.7 surgeons per 100,000 people.
2. Roughly 80% of counties, or 2,509, do not have a thoracic surgeon.
3. Olmsted County, Minn., has the most thoracic surgeons with 93, or a rate of 43.1 per 100,000. Los Angeles County also has the most practicing thoracic surgeons at 189.
In transplant surgery
1. There are 882 transplant surgeons in the country, at a rate of 0.3 per 100,000.
2. About 95% of counties, or 2,995, have no transplant surgeon. Only 149 counties have at least one transplant surgeon.
3. Montour County, Pa., also has the highest rate of transplant surgeons by population at a rate of 16.6 per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, New York County has the highest number of practicing transplant surgeons at 61.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
