Dr. Sameer Suhail Lists the Healthcare Services That are Most Difficult to Access
Rural areas in the United States have long been underserved when it comes to healthcare. Part of the problem is that there are simply fewer healthcare providers in rural areas, making it difficult for residents to get the care they need. This has been a significant issue for years, and it does not seem like things will get better anytime soon. Dr. Sameer Suhail bemoans this inadequacy as rural healthcare is a vital part of the nation’s overall healthcare system. Some medical services that are the most challenging to access in rural areas are discussed below.
Home Health
Home care refers to a wide range of professional support services that are designed to help individuals live safely and independently at home. This can include healthcare services such as medication management, mobility assistance, nutritional counseling, or rehabilitation therapy. In addition, home care may also include services related to housekeeping, cleaning, or transportation. Such services can be especially important for older adults or those with disabilities who may need extra support in order to maintain their physical well-being. Overall, home care is an affordable and effective way for individuals to live full and productive lives even when they are faced with certain challenges or limitations. Whether it is healthcare or non-medical assistance that we need, there is always a professional service out there that can help us make the most of our homes and stay safe and stable in our own abode.
Some examples of this are nursing care, physical therapy, and social work. Unfortunately, it is one of the most difficult medical services to find in rural areas. There are not enough home health care providers to meet the needs of those who live in rural areas. This is a significant problem because home health care can be costly.
Outpatient Services
Another type of medical service that is difficult to find in rural areas is outpatient services. These are often necessary for those who need treatment but do not require hospitalization. Outpatient services can include physical therapy, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.
Hospice and Palliative Care
Also difficult to acquire in rural areas are hospice and palliative care. Hospice care is provided to terminally ill patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care is for patients with a serious illness that is not necessarily terminal. Both types of care focus on providing comfort and support to patients and their families.
Mental Health Services
As Dr. Sameer Suhail points out, the lack of access to mental health providers and services in rural areas means that primary care physicians often have to fill in the gap. This is a significant problem because mental health disorders are just as common in rural areas as in urban areas. Mental health disorders can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life, from their personal relationships to their work performance. Despite their prevalence, mental health disorders often go untreated. One barrier to treatment is the cost of healthcare.
