United States: Research findings show the United States faces an increasing shortage of gastroenterologists as 50 million Americans reside in counties without access to these specialist doctors. The research conducted by Dr. Xiaohan Ying at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City demonstrates the critical necessity to develop gastroenterology care throughout U.S. regions especially rural and underserved areas.
Significant Shortage of Gastroenterologists Nationwide
According to the study published in Gastroenterology, 2,183 out of 3,149 counties (69.3%) across the U.S. do not have a single gastroenterologist. This shortage affects approximately 49.4 million people. Furthermore, 531 counties (16.8%) report having fewer than five gastroenterologists, as reported by HealthDay.
Disparities Impact Rural and Economically Disadvantaged Areas
This shortage primarily affects the rural population along with those who live in economically disadvantaged areas. Almost all residents in Wyoming and Arizona need to drive at least 25 miles to access a gastroenterologist because these states contain more than 75% of their population beyond this distance threshold. Additionally Wyoming has more than half its population located more than 50 miles from any gastroenterology specialist.
States with the Worst and Best Access to Gastro Care
Three states which have the least gastroenterologists are Alaska and North Dakota followed by Wyoming and Massachusetts along with Connecticut and New York have the most specialists. Rural patients face major access barriers because of these territorial inequalities which affect particularly those living in areas where digestive and liver diseases are common.
Rising Health Risks Due to Limited Access
Research indicates that the healthcare sector needs more gastroenterologists to serve the growing numbers of older patients and expanding rates of digestive diseases that include colorectal cancer. As colorectal cancer incidence increases researchers point out that people living in rural areas fail to receive both gastroenterological care and screening colonoscopies which leads to their population being at a higher health risk.
Need for Expanded Access and Health Equity
The study emphasizes the need for additional efforts to expand access and close care disparities even though the U.S. currently provides sufficient gastroenterology services to its population based on 25-mile distance requirements. The healthcare needs of all Americans will improve through increased gastroenterology service provision which addresses both equity and better outcomes, as reported by HealthDay.