FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What professions are eligible to participate in the LRP program?

A. Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the specialties of Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, and Obstetrics/Gynecology; General Dentists; Pedodontists; Certified Nurse Practitioners; Certified Nurse Midwives; and Physician Assistants. Other health professions not listed should contact the National Health Services Corp for alternate opportunities.

Q. I am currently in medical/dental school/professional training, can I still apply?

A. Current students interested in the LRP are encouraged to submit LRP provider applications prior to completing last year of residency or if applicable, professional training or dental school training.

Q. When is the application deadline?

A. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. All candidates will be notified once the application has been reviewed.

Q. What can I do if my application is rejected?

A. Ineligible applicants will be advised on how to become an eligible provider or placement site via correspondence. Applicants can either comply or appeal the decision within 14 days of the written notification.

Q. Will I receive a salary/benefits while enrolled on the LRP?

A. Participating LRP providers are responsible for negotiating their contracts with employers. Packages should be comparable to the prevailing rate in the surrounding area.

Q. Can I terminate my LRP contract at any time?

A. Financial penalties will be applied to participants that breach the LRP contract prior to completing the initial two-year commitment.

Q. The site I would like to use as my LRP placement serves underserved patients but is not located in a state designated medically underserved area. What should I do?

A. Sites not located in designated medically underserved areas must complete a placement site application and submit additional documentation to identify its patient population. Please contact the LRP office directly for more information.

Q. Can I change practice sites during my commitment?

A. LRP providers may change practice sites to another eligible LRP placement site during the service obligation.

Q. Can I fulfill my commitment by working part-time?

A. No. Only full-time primary care professionals are eligible for the program.

Q. What is a sliding fee scale and how can a site create one?

A. A sliding fee scale is a tool used to determine how much to bill uninsured, low-income patients for services rendered based on the family size and income level. For guidelines on establishing a sliding fee scale, contact the LRP office.

Q. What is the New Jersey Medically Underserved Index?*

A. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services designates municipalities that demonstrate a lack of access to timely, comprehensive primary health care based on economic and/or health indicators. The municipalities placed on the Index as of 1999 are shown below:

Pop. Of 5,000 to 29,999

Pop of 30,000+

* Geographic areas not designated on the Index can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q. What is a HPSA and where are they located?

Health professional shortage areas have an insufficient number of health care personnel to serve the people living there. A HPSA can be a distinct geographic area (such as a county), a specific population group within an area (such as the poor), or a specific public or nonprofit facility (such as a prison). Please access the following link for more information: HPSA Query