Patients living outside of metropolitan areas travel longer distances for primary care and specialty visits compared to those in metropolitan areas. A study analyzed data from 2018 to 2021 and found that patients outside of metropolitan areas traveled a median of 28 minutes for primary care visits. The study also reported longer travel times for specialty visits for those living outside of metropolitan areas. The researchers suggested that accurate market definitions are necessary to measure and monitor provider competition, access, and outcomes. These findings could inform decisions about market definitions and provide national benchmarks for patient travel time.
Source link
Non-metro dwellers travel twice the distance for primary care
