How are HPSA scores calculated?
Some federal health care programs, such as NHSC programs, allocate their resources on the basis of HPSA scores, not just HPSA designations. Each HPSA is assigned a score on the basis of specific criteria that ranks its shortage of primary care providers, or need, relative to other HPSAs. HPSA scores are developed to assist in determining those areas or facilities that have the greatest need for health professionals. For example, the National Health Service Corps utilizes HPSA scores for priority assignment of clinicians. HPSA Scores range from 0 to 25 for primary care and mental health, and 0 to 26 for dental. The higher the HPSA score is, the greater the need for health professionals.
