Tyler County

Low Income Primary Care Access

Summary of Information:

Low Income Population: 9,837 (at or below 200% FPL, 1998)

Total practicing primary care physicians: 7

Regular full time equivalency: 6.8

Full time equivalents serving the low-income population: 1.3

Ratio of low-income population to low-income FTE: 7,567:1

Considered a shortage of providers: Yes, currently designated

as whole-county HPSA.

Physicians accepting new patients: 88%

Physicians accepting new patients who have Medicaid coverage: 88%

Physicians who can provide interpretation for non-English speaking patients: 0%

Languages interpreted: NA

What are the barriers to health care for people in your county?

“We do not have enough doctors.” -- response given by two physician offices.

“Cost is high. Long waiting times to schedule an appointment.”

Are there additional barriers for the low-income population?

“No” -- response given by two physician offices.

“Cost of medications, as well as the doctors’ fees.”

Community Input:

Tyler County participated in the ETRAP Community Health Improvement Process (CHIP) initiative in Phase I. The community found transportation to be one of their highest needs. They have folded into the ETHAN Network, which will address the issue with a 21^st Century Challenge Fund grant. The hospital is part of the Memorial Health System out of Lufkin. They have a new administrator and seem to be doing well for a small rural facility.

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