A designation by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) indicating regions, populations, or facilities experiencing a shortage of primary medical care, dental, or mental health providers. HPSAs can be geographic areas, population groups, or facilities that lack adequate healthcare services.
A healthcare provider specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology, who serves as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care and coordinates comprehensive healthcare services.
An area identified as lacking sufficient dental health professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, to meet the oral health needs of the population residing in that area.
A designation indicating a shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors, leading to inadequate access to mental health services for the population in that area.
A geographic area, population group, or facility designated by HRSA as having insufficient primary care services, high poverty rates, or a high percentage of medically underserved individuals.
Groups of individuals within a community who face barriers to accessing healthcare services due to factors such as poverty, lack of health insurance, limited English proficiency, or geographic isolation.
The collective group of healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, working to deliver healthcare services to individuals and communities.
Differences in access to healthcare services among various population groups, often influenced by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geographic location, and insurance coverage.
Remote healthcare services delivered via telecommunications technology, enabling patients to consult with healthcare providers, receive diagnoses, and access treatment without the need for in-person visits, thereby improving access to care in HPSAs.
Initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in underserved areas, such as loan repayment programs, scholarships, training opportunities, and support for professional development. These strategies are crucial for addressing workforce shortages in HPSAs and improving healthcare access for underserved populations.