In general, each category of barrier is contained in a separate chapter. This report contains a review of the literature, results of contractual research and surveys, and an examination of innovative approaches that are successfully being used. The last chapter of the study provides policy options for the Texas Legislature to consider. The following narrative briefly highlights the cogent nonfinancial barriers and lists several policy options that were identified as possible remedies. Availability Many experts agree that the most significant nonfinancial barrier to access is the lack of available health care providers and services.
Availability encompasses several factors.
First, the health care work force must be composed of an appropriate number and mix of physicians, other medical professionals, and facilities to provide medical services. Second, these services must be located reasonably close to the population needing care. Texas faces an acute shortage of primary care physicians in rural counties and inner-city neighborhoods. Shortages lead to greatly decreased access to health care and contribute to a lack of continuity of care. To increase the number of primary care physicians practicing in underserved areas, the content, process, and financing of graduate medical education in the state must change.