Bridging the Gap in Rural Healthcare Access

Access to quality healthcare remains a growing challenge for rural residents, shaped by limited provider availability, long wait times, and the burden of travel.

Findings from a national survey commissioned by Zyter | TruCare highlight where rural communities feel support is most urgently needed and how access barriers continue to affect care continuity and outcomes.

The survey reveals that gaps in access are widening, with rural residents facing persistent challenges that impact their ability to receive timely, consistent care. In particular, respondents pointed to:

• Increasing access challenges, as long wait times make it harder to secure timely appointments and disrupt follow-up and ongoing care
• Distance-related strain, with 49% of residents traveling 10 to 25 miles for routine care, creating barriers for families, aging adults, and individuals with limited transportation
• Reduced care continuity, as travel demands and delays make it harder to maintain consistent relationships with care teams

Together, these findings underscore the need for care models that reduce distance, improve availability, and meet patients where they are, physically and clinically.