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Full-Text Articles in Rural Health
Disparities In Access To Medicare-Approved Medical Specialists In Rural Kentucky, Logan Hurm, Jacob A. Welch, James Adkins
Disparities In Access To Medicare-Approved Medical Specialists In Rural Kentucky, Logan Hurm, Jacob A. Welch, James Adkins
Journal of Appalachian Health
Introduction: Approximately 20% of the United States population resides in a rural community; however, only 10% of all healthcare resources and physicians are dedicated to these areas. Appalachia, and Kentucky (KY) in particular, have higher populations living in rural areas which leads to a greater number of individuals affected by medical access disparities. As of 2026, 21% of KY’s population is eligible for Medicare, making access to Medicare-accepting specialty physicians crucial for the state’s population.
Purpose: This research aims to quantify healthcare disparities among rural communities in KY through quantification of the potential distance required to travel to access specialty …