A Kaiser Family Foundation state indicator reveals that nearly 30% of Americans live in a Primary Care Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA). Access to primary care is essential for better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs and improved care management. However, due to provider shortages, inconvenience and other personal deterrents, adults are not getting the care they need.
With virtual primary care, patients get easier access to the care they need. Visits can occur wherever is most convenient for the patient. It can be provided to employees at little-to-no cost, reduce care barriers and increase access equity.
What is a Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA)?
A designated HPSA indicates an inadequate number of healthcare providers for population groups (a patient to physician ratio of 3,500:1). These designations consider the healthcare needs within the populations relative to the number of physicians available.
Here are the 10 states that could use virtual primary care the most based on the population sizes living in HPSAs (as of September 31, 2022):
- California: Currently, more than 8 million live in a designated HPSA – 1 in 5 adults.
- Florida: About 7.6 million live in a designated HPSA – more than 1 in 3 adults.
- Texas: Nearly 7.5 million live in a designated HPSA – 1 in 4 adults.
- New York: Nearly 6.5 million live in a designated HPSA – almost 1 in 3 adults.
- Illinois: 3.6 million live in a designated HPSA – more than 1 in 4 adults.
- Michigan: More than 3.5 million live in a designated HPSA – more than 1 in 3 adults.
- Washington: More than 3.5 million live in a designated HPSA – almost 1 in 2 adults.
- Georgia: More than 3.4 million live in a designated HPSA – almost 1 in 3 adults.
- Arizona: More than 3.3 million live in a designated HPSA – almost 1 in 2 adults.
- North Carolina: More than 3.2 million live in a designated HPSA – almost 1 in 3 adults.
First Stop Health (FSH) Virtual Care
FSH virtual care solutions are comprised of Primary Care, Urgent Care and Mental Health, and deliver patient-first care to members where and when they need it. Virtual Primary Care connects members to doctors in less than 5 days on average. It consists of urgent, preventive and chronic care to help coordinate and manage the many touchpoints of members’ healthcare journeys. With Virtual Urgent Care (Telemedicine), members have access to 24/7 urgent care for episodic health concerns. Virtual Mental Health provides counseling to members, and in conjunction with Virtual Primary Care guidance and medication management, leads to better whole-person health. Our digital-first approach expands access to healthcare for our members and provides care that people love.®