City Healthcare Access Score
Estimate how easy it may be to access everyday healthcare in different cities. See a simple 0-100 index based on doctors per capita, primary care, hospitals, clinics, mental health providers, and more.
Estimate healthcare access across cities
See a simple 0-100 index based on provider availability, hospitals, clinics, and basic access indicators.
Tip: Pick one or two cities and choose what type of care matters most to you.
Understanding Healthcare Access Scores
What We Mean by Healthcare Access
Healthcare access refers to how easy it is for residents to obtain routine medical care. This includes factors like the number of doctors and providers available, proximity to hospitals and clinics, and typical wait times. Our score estimates overall access based on city-level indicators, not the quality or outcomes of care.
How Doctors, Hospitals, and Clinics Factor In
We consider multiple dimensions: doctors per capita, primary care availability, specialist access, hospital bed capacity, and clinic/urgent care presence. Each dimension is scored 0-100 and combined into composite scores. Higher provider density generally means more options and potentially shorter waits for appointments.
Mental Health and Specialist Access
Mental health provider availability is tracked separately because access to therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors varies significantly by location. Specialist access measures availability of specialists like cardiologists, dermatologists, and others. These are particularly important for ongoing or specialized care.
Insurance and Wait Time Proxies
Our insurance coverage proxy reflects general coverage rates in an area, not specific plans or costs. The wait time proxy estimates typical appointment wait times based on provider density and demand. These are simplified indicators; actual experiences depend on your insurance, provider, and urgency of need.
Why This Is Only a Starting Point
Healthcare access varies enormously within cities. A city with a high overall score may have neighborhoods with limited access. Insurance networks, provider availability for new patients, and individual health needs all affect your actual experience. Use this tool to compare cities at a high level, then research specific neighborhoods and providers.
Limitations and Data Gaps
Our data is based on aggregated city-level indicators that may be 1-2 years old. We don't capture provider quality ratings, patient satisfaction, specific insurance acceptance, or real-time availability. This tool is for general informational purposes only and should not replace advice from healthcare professionals or insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Healthcare Access Score is a 0-100 index that estimates how easy it may be to access routine healthcare in a city. It combines indicators like doctors per capita, primary care availability, hospital access, clinic density, mental health provider availability, and simplified proxies for insurance coverage and wait times. Higher scores suggest more healthcare options and potentially easier access.
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