When someone experiences a medical issue, or needs a regular checkup to keep themselves healthy, where do they go? Do the doctor’s office, of course! However, for many people right here in America, this is not an option. This is due to the fact that there are still many rural areas underserved by the medical community. There are far too many people living miles away from a hospital, and even a walk-in medical office. This is why rural healthcare clinics are so desperately needed across the country. There are four types of shortage areas that still need a lot of help:

Primary Care Geographic-Based Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

These are population-based areas that have workforce shortages in primary medical care, mental health, and dental health.

Primary Care Population-Group HPSAs.

These have barriers preventing the patient population from accessing primary care providers within their area.

Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs).

These are designated as having a shortage of primary care providers, a high infant mortality, a high poverty and/or a high elderly population. These people really need your help!

Governor Designated and Secretary Certified Areas.

These are designated by the governor of your state and certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as an area with a shortage of healthcare services.

If someone does not have quick and convenient medical care options, they are much more likely to let an illness or injury go without being seen by a professional. This leads to a much less healthy life, as well as a shorter one. If you are aware of an area near you, or that you take particular interest in, that currently does not have the medical care the people need, begin the process of looking into how to change this. You could open your own clinic, starting from scratch and eventually serving a population that really needs it.

Make today the day you can look back on and say “It all started.” You have a lot to do to prepare, but you don’t need to do it all alone! Aptus Associates, LLC can be brought in to bill the insurance companies, create a budget, manage the office, and other office support tasks. For more information on how we can help your medical practice stay efficient and profitable, please call 1-888-760-2455 or email [email protected].