Barriers to healthcare access

Barriers to healthcare access

• Provider availability

• Language, culture, trust

• Financial

• Patient transport, schedule, etc.

Healthcare desert

= Health provider shortage area

• Areas of the country and areas of the city where there is less access to healthcare where there needs to

• Rural - long distance to care

• Urban - low density in certain countries, neighborhoods, etc. Less accessible for those without cars, time for travel on public transport, etc

Why do healthcare deserts happen in rule areas?

• Smaller source population

• Less access to higher education

• Less likely to attract providers from other areas

Strategies to improve rural healthcare deserts

• Telehealth/virtual medicine

• Incentive/loan forgiveness programs

Why do we end up with healthcare deserts in urban areas?

• More lucrative to practice in areas where most of the population has health insurance