Examining Specialty Healthcare Access in a Rural Population; Experiences from Oneida County, New York

There are multiple barriers and facilitators present for rural populations when accessing specialty healthcare. Telehealth can be a challenge depending on the population's internet access and comfort level with receiving care in this way. Distance and travel concerns can also be reasons for missing or rescheduling appointments or avoiding preventive medical appointments. When addressing older adult populations, there are also barriers to consider such as mobility concerns and lack of travel resources and assistance. This research delved deeper into a rural Upstate New York County and interviewed participants in a qualitative method to better understand the patient perspective of the challenges and advantages of specialty healthcare in older adult populations.