Question

What are barriers in accessing or using services of Yuma county in Arizona?

Answer 1

Yuma county in Arizona has an under 50% of the population's access to healthcare services. This is due to certain barriers which were established after a survey done in 2019 as "Community Health Needs Assessment".

Followings are the established barriers:

1) Poor access to service: In the survey, it was observed that the Primary Care Providers were heavily occupied and the patient had to wait in the queue for so long that either their symptoms subsided automatically or had to leave without treatment. This was because 41.1 doctors per 100000 patients were assigned and service centers used to be closed on weekends which were the only days for the working population to get treatment for their ailment. Besides this lack of understanding of the healthcare system, the disease process and complex healthcare navigation further add to delayed accessibility.

2) Lack of specialty Services: There were not enough who were specialized in certain treatments. Many clients were sent to Phoenix for medical appointments. (Social services provider)

3) Insurance issues: Most did not have access to healthcare due to lack of insurance or lack of preventive programs in the areas of Diabetes, Obesity, Substance abuse. (Community leader)
AHCCCS [Arizona Medicaid] insurance care at urgent care: They take no financial responsibility.- Other Healthcare Provider

4) Transportation: Transport was a major barrier to avail the medical facilities.- Other Healthcare Provider