3 Common Barriers to Quality Medical Care

Let’s face it, we’ve all had our reasons for not going to the doctor.

“I don’t have time.”

“They misdiagnosed my friend. I’d rather suffer than go to the doctor.”

“Have you seen the waiting room? I hate waiting with sick people.”

While these might seem like valid excuses, skipping out on medical care can weave a complex web of consequences for yourself and society. More than 100 million people in the U.S. don’t have a primary care provider, a number that has nearly doubled in just under 10 years (NACHC, 2023). This trend worsens preventable health conditions and ramps up overall healthcare costs. Let’s dive into three big reasons why people avoid quality medical care:

Barrier 1: "It's Inconvenient."

Accessing healthcare can be a hassle due to several factors:

• Proximity: The nearest physician's office might not be close, especially in rural areas.
• Transportation: Getting to the doctor can be pricey, and not everyone can afford public transit or taking time off work.
• Time: Many people can't sacrifice time away from childcare, working, or studying.
• Waiting Rooms: Long waits and the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses deter people from seeking care.
• Exam Rooms: Waiting forever for the doctor to come back can be frustrating.

These inconveniences stem from the fee-for-service reimbursement system, which favors crisis management over preventive care, and the shortage of primary care physicians. With more than 56% of adults waiting over a week for an appointment, it’s no wonder people avoid primary care until their health issues become severe (AAPA, 2023).

Barrier 2: "It's Expensive."

Money often stands in the way of getting medical help:

• High employee out-of-pocket costs
• Rising prices for prescriptions, x-rays, and other medical services
• Cost of transportation (gas, public transit, etc.) 
• Loss of PTO or hourly wages for medical care
• Sky-high deductibles and copays

The long-term costs of neglecting health are substantial. Ninety percent of the nation's $4.5 trillion annual healthcare expenditures are for chronic and mental health conditions (CDC, 2024). Preventive care can help manage these conditions, but many people simply can’t afford the short-term costs of care.

Barrier 3: "It's Confusing."

Navigating the U.S. healthcare system can be a real headache. A doctor's visit can feel like stepping into a maze, and many avoid care because it’s just too confusing. The most common complaints of confusion include:

• Insurance billing
• Medical jargon
• Treatment plans
• Conflicting medical opinions
• Complicated technology and information systems

The confusion leads many to avoid seeking care altogether. Not only are U.S. adults spending on average one working day per month coordinating care for themselves or their loved ones, but nearly 3 in 4 (73%) adults say the healthcare system is failing to meet their needs (AAPA, 2023).

Breaking Down Barriers

Overcoming these obstacles calls for systemic changes and innovative solutions. Onsite medical clinics, telehealth services, and simplified healthcare navigation tools can help make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and understandable. By addressing these barriers, we can improve health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs in our communities.

References

AAPA. (2023). The Patient Experience: Perspectives on Today's Healthcare. American Academy of Physician Associates. 
https://www.aapa.org/research/patient-experience/

CDC. (2024, May 15). Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

NACHC. (2023, February). Closing the Primary Care Gap: How Community Health Centers Can
Address the Nation’s Primary Care Crisis. National Association of Community Health Centers.
https://www.nachc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Closing-the-Primary-Care-Gap_Full-Report_2023_digital-final.pdf