Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - Gastroenterology, Blount Memorial

Local GI market

53 gastroenterologists

within 30 miles. That is 15.5 per 100,000 adults aged 45-74, close to the US average (13.6).

38% of them finished medical school 30 or more years ago (US: 36%).

Source: CMS Doctors and Clinicians file; Census ACS 2019-2023.

Procedure mix nearby

65% colonoscopy

Medicare fee-for-service procedures billed within 30 miles in 2024: 15,271 colonoscopies, 7,691 EGDs, 252 ERCPs, 230 EUS.

ERCP volume is typical and EUS is typical for the population, compared with the US (adjusted for Medicare Advantage share). 96% done in a hospital or surgery center; 66% by gastroenterologists.

66.1% of adults 45-75 in this county are up to date on colorectal screening, 2.9 points above the state (63.2%).

56% of Medicare patients here are in Medicare Advantage (state: 54%). Medicare procedure counts above cover only the other 44%.

Source: CMS Medicare Physician and Other Practitioners by provider and service, 2024 (fee-for-service only; services for fewer than 11 patients hidden). CMS MA penetration; CDC PLACES 2025 (2022 survey).

Cost of living

Prices in Tennessee are 8.1% below the US average.

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.

Source: BEA regional price parities, 2024. State level; big metros cost more. Tax: Tax Foundation 2026 state brackets.

Employer

Nonprofit health system, 501(c)(3)

The employer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. W-2 jobs with it usually count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Confirm which entity pays you.

Source

Visas (H-1B / J-1)

No H-1B filings for GI physicians from this employer in the data we hold. That does not mean it will not sponsor.

All GI H-1B filings in Tennessee: 17, median $500k.

This county has no current primary care shortage designation. State J-1 waiver contacts (3RNET).

Source: US Dept. of Labor LCA disclosure data (certified H-1B, FY2024-FY2026); HRSA HPSA data. All GI H-1B employers