Rusk County

Low Income Primary Care Access

Summary of Information:

Low Income Population: 21,124 (at or below 200% FPL, 1998)

Regular full time equivalency: 13.9

Full time equivalents serving the low-income population: 2.9

Ratio of low-income population to low-income FTE: 7,284:1

Considered a shortage of providers: Yes, currently designated

as a whole county HPSA (3/00).

Physicians accepting new patients: 65%

Physicians accepting new patients who have Medicaid coverage: 50%

Physicians who can provide interpretation for non-English speaking patients: 36%

Languages: Spanish, German, Merti (Indian)

*Surveys completed 12/99

Community Input:

Access to prenatal care is limited. Declining physician participation in serving the low-income residents of the county has caused increased access barriers. Language and transportation are also barriers to care.

Texas Department of Health pilot project to begin in this county soon. Staff will consist of a Public Health Technician, a Sanitarian, a Nurse, and a Clerical staff member. This staff will be available to work on public health issues in the Rusk County area.

Additionally, a local health advisory board will be developed soon.

Prepared by Community Health Provider Resources, Texas Department of Health, as part of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation East Texas Rural Access Program; Spring 2001