This bill addresses the critical shortage and maldistribution of general surgeons across the United States, particularly in rural areas, by amending the Public Health Service Act. Congress finds that current physician shortage designations may not accurately reflect the adequacy of local general surgeons to meet the needs of underserved populations. The legislation aims to improve access to surgical care by establishing a more precise method for identifying areas with insufficient general surgeons. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, is mandated to conduct a comprehensive study. This study will evaluate existing shortage designations and explore alternative methodologies, such as those based on hospital service areas, to accurately assess general surgeon availability. A key component of the study involves developing a methodology to define surgery service areas, identify actively practicing general surgeons, and establish surgeon-to-population ratios, along with thresholds for optimal, adequate, shortage, and critical shortage levels. These thresholds will consider factors beyond just current supply, including wait times , health outcomes , and transportation time to care. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress detailing the study's findings, after consulting with relevant stakeholders like medical societies and patient organizations. Based on this report, the Secretary may then establish, through rulemaking, a new methodology for designating general surgery shortage areas. If implemented, these designations would be published, annually reviewed, and revised, ensuring a more accurate and responsive system for addressing general surgeon workforce needs.