HPSA Designations and Mortality

Dr. Jessica Sauve-Syed, Furman University

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Access to healthcare services is an enduring challenge in many rural areas where a shortage of physicians may result in lengthy delays for appointments. Federal Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations identify counties that are underserved and make these communities eligible for programs that attract primary care physicians. Often primary care focuses on routine and preventative services, but an increase in access for these basic levels of care may have important consequences. This study finds that counties that received the HPSA designation benefited from significant declines in mortality.