The rate of physicians per 10,000 population indicates the number of physicians available to serve a given population. A higher rate generally suggests better access to healthcare services, including primary and specialized care. Gaston County is experiencing a decrease in the physician-to-population ratio from 17.8/10,000 in 2017 to 16.8/10,000 in 2022, indicating a reduction in the availability of physicians relative to the size of the population in Gaston County. This decrease could potentially hinder access to care in the community.