Upshur County

Low Income Primary Care Access

Summary of Information:

Low Income Population: 16,654 (at or below 200% FPL, 1998)

Total practicing primary care physicians: 6

Regular full time equivalency: 5.6

Full time equivalents serving the low-income population: 1.8

Ratio of low-income population to low-income FTE: 9,252:1

Considered a shortage of providers: Yes, currently designated

as whole-county HPSA.

Physicians accepting new patients: 100%

Physicians accepting new patients who have Medicaid coverage: 67%

Physicians who can provide interpretation for non-English speaking patients: 67%

Languages interpreted: Spanish

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

“Finances -- not having enough money if you don’t have insurance or Medicaid.”

“Affordable insurance. Not having a rural health clinic.”

“Medicaid patients often are ‘no shows’ due to transportation problems.”

“Not enough doctors.”

“Not much of a choice in which doctor to see if you have insurance.”

Are there additional barriers for the low-income population?

“No, because of the CHIP program.”

“Transportation (no public transportation). No indigent care.”

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

	Community Input: The Hispanic population is growing, causing an increase in language barriers. There are not enough insurance plan choices available. There is a need for more Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollment and providers. Additionally, the hospital provides very limited care and patients must travel for most care.
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