A new study published in the journal Gastroenterology showed that 2,183 out of 3,149 counties (about 69.3%) had no gastroenterologists. These counties are home to nearly 49.4 million people.
A study led by Dr. Xiaohan Ying from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City looked at federal data to find out where gastroenterologists work.
Additionally, 531 counties (16.8%) had fewer than five gastroenterologists. Areas without gastroenterologists were often rural and had lower income levels.
The research team noted that gastrointestinal diseases significantly affect patients and the healthcare system in the U.S. They reported, “Access to physicians varies greatly by location, and there are still many needs for gastroenterology care that are not being met.”
In Wyoming and Arizona, more than 75% of people lived over 25 miles from a gastroenterologist, and over half of Wyoming residents were more than 50 miles away.
Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming had the fewest gastroenterologists per 100,000 individuals, while Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York had the most.
The authors emphasized that the demand for gastroenterologists is increasing as the population ages and more digestive and liver diseases occur. They also highlighted that as colorectal cancer rates rise, rural residents without gastroenterologists and screening colonoscopy might be hit the hardest.
In conclusion, “While overall, there is decent access to gastroenterologists in the U.S., with over 80% of people living within 25 miles of one, more efforts are needed to increase access and ensure fairness in care.”