While many physicians would argue that stagnant reimbursement and increased costs make it tough to practice medicine anywhere these days, the reality is that some states are better than others for a variety of reasons.
 
Medscape took on at least a regional comparison of the best and worst states for physician practices, including such factors as malpractice costs and risk, patient density, payer market share and state regulations, among other factors.
 
Here’s the best (and worst) by region:
 
Northeast:
Best: New Hampshire
Worst: Connecticut
 
Mid Atlantic:
Best: Virginia
Worst: Washington, D.C.
 
Southeast:
Best: Georgia
Worst: Florida
 
Great Lakes and North Central:
Best: South Dakota
Worst: Illinois
 
West and Northwest:
Best: Idaho
Worst: Alaska
 
Southwest and South Central:
Best: Utah
Worst: Arizona