Expanding healthcare access: barriers and solutions

Healthcare access is one of the most pressing challenges facing global health systems today. In a recent Sermo poll, 90% of physicians indicated that expanding healthcare equity will be important within the next decade.¹

However, despite increased awareness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services.² Access to healthcare is a public health issue; as a Hematologist on Sermo succinctly puts it, “It’s essential. Health is a human right, and expanding services guarantees a better quality of life for all patients regardless of race, belief, or politics.³“So, what are the primary barriers to achieving healthcare equity from a physician’s perspective? And how are physicians working to combat these obstacles in their practice? Using poll data and discussions from Sermo’s physician community, this article explores these issues and the strategies being employed to bridge the gaps in healthcare access.

Why is access to healthcare important?

A Sermo poll found that 56% of physicians believe healthcare equity will be extremely important within the next decade.¹ But what are some of the effects of a lack of access to healthcare?

Reduced preventive care and screenings: Patients miss routine check-ups, leading to increased emergency visits and worsening chronic conditions. For example, 16% of rural adults compared to 13% of urban adults reported ED visits, with 5% of rural adults using the ED for non-urgent reasons compared to 4% of urban adults.⁴
Delayed or forgone medical care: Nearly 50% of adults aged 18 to 34 can’t catch up with missed appointments since the pandemic, leading to severe health consequences.⁵
Increased emergency service utilization: The overuse of emergency departments contributes to long wait times, resource strain, and $38 billion annually in unnecessary healthcare costs.⁶

Ensuring proactive and equitable access to healthcare improves patient outcomes while reducing economic strain on healthcare systems.

What causes the lack of access to healthcare?

At their core, barriers to healthcare access stem from socioeconomic factors.

In a Sermo poll, 59% of physicians pointed to socioeconomic disparities as the primary reason why people don’t have access to healthcare.¹ This isn’t surprising: financial instability directly affects access to medical services, prescription medication and preventive care. A Podiatrist on Sermo argues that the equity conversation often misplaces focus, stating, “In most things—healthcare included—equity issues are driven by socioeconomic status. A lot of the rhetoric on equity ignores this and focuses on issues associated with SES but not the root of the problem.”⁷

But financial hardship isn’t the only factor. 15% of physicians cited rural access challenges.¹ An Oncologist on Sermo explains, “Although health services in my country are free, they’re not accessible to the entire population due to economic and logistical reasons. Patients typically must travel long distances for care, impacting quality.³” For these individuals, time, cost and geographic barriers create substantial healthcare inequities.

Another 17% of physicians highlighted insufficient insurance coverage as a barrier.¹ Even in nations with universal healthcare, out-of-pocket expenses and bureaucratic restrictions prevent many from receiving necessary treatments. A GP on Sermo notes, “Funding is the key barrier to this.³“

Furthermore, 5% of physicians identified cultural and language barriers and another 5% pointed to insufficient training opportunities,¹ both of which can exacerbate systemic inequities.Healthcare inequities have many factors, but they all lead the same way: a population without access to care is sicker and less economically productive. As one GP on Sermo explains, “A healthy population aids production and contributes to the economic development of a country.³” Addressing these access gaps is an ethical and economic imperative.

How can doctors help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare?

Physicians are already taking steps to address healthcare inequities, but the solutions are neither simple nor universally adopted.

A Sermo poll found that 46% of physicians have actively worked to increase access to care for underserved populations,¹ recognizing that logistical barriers, such as transportation, play a critical role in healthcare access. Yet, as a Pediatrician on Sermo notes, “Don’t forget the rides to medical appointments that the government provides. And they still no-show.⁷” Even when solutions exist, they don’t always translate into improved patient engagement.

Cultural and systemic barriers also remain significant. 28% of physicians have implemented cultural competence training,¹ yet many still resist these efforts. A Family Medicine physician on Sermo highlights the challenge: “Sometimes we find old-school doctors who are not willing to get trained in equity nor accept that these differences some patients face are social determinants of health.⁷” This reflects a broader issue: equity is about resources alongside mindset and systemic change.

Financial barriers persist, with 10% of physicians offering sliding-scale fees and another 10% partnering with community organizations.¹ However, only 6% are using data to identify disparities,¹ meaning that many efforts remain reactive rather than strategic.

Therefore, addressing healthcare inequities demands a cultural shift within medicine. While physicians are taking steps to improve access, true progress will require integrating equity-focused policies into every level of healthcare practice, from training to data-driven interventions.

How can doctors support access to healthcare? Practical steps

In terms of how to improve access to healthcare, it requires practical, scalable solutions that physicians can implement in their own practices.

One of the most immediate and impactful solutions is technology. An Internal Medicine physician on Sermo emphasizes: “Expansion in healthcare services requires innovative approaches, including AI, telehealth, better technologies and expanding roles for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).³”

Telemedicine, in particular, has helped improve access in rural and underserved areas. A GP on Sermo affirms: “Telemedicine is crucial to ensure the quality and accessibility of expanded healthcare services.³” But while technology improves access, it must be used carefully, ensuring that digital literacy and infrastructure don’t become additional barriers.

Expanding the healthcare workforce is equally critical. On Sermo, a Podiatrist notes: “In my hospital, the number of doctors and nurses has increased in the last five years, leading to better care in less time.³” Without an adequate workforce, healthcare expansion is unsustainable, so investing in training, recruitment and retention is just as important as adding new services.

A major gap remains in rural healthcare. Expanding services outside urban centers is necessary but requires investment. One Plastic Surgeon on Sermo shares: “We’ve added services to our practice and specialties to our group to provide more comprehensive care.³” Similarly, a GP on Sermo acknowledges that process improvement is just as critical as expansion: “My workplace should work more on improving processes and technology.³”

Expanding specialty care is particularly important for rural populations, as one GP on Sermo illustrates: “In my city, patients have to travel 1-2 hours to see a vascular or maxillofacial surgeon. Expanding specialties in local hospitals would improve care for our aging population.³“

Therefore, physicians must balance expansion efforts with sustainability. Another GP on Sermo warns: “Expanding healthcare services improves access and addresses care gaps. However, it must be done carefully to avoid administrative burden and physician burnout.³” Access can’t improve if expansion comes at the cost of overworked doctors. Instead, a strategic approach that balances technology, workforce expansion and policy reform will create a lasting impact.

The next decade of healthcare access and equity

The future of healthcare access will be shaped by technological advancements, shifting care models and ongoing policy debates.

While AI-driven diagnostics, remote monitoring and virtual health adoption promise to ease clinician workloads and expand access⁸⁹, they also raise concerns about data privacy, regulatory barriers and digital literacy gaps.¹⁰ Nearly 90% of health system executives expect virtual health to play a central role,¹¹ but its effectiveness will depend on how equitable its implementation is across different populations.

The delivery of care is also evolving. Hospital-at-home models and alternative care sites aim to reduce costs¹² and increase patient convenience,¹³ but without proper workforce planning, these changes could deepen provider burnout rather than improve efficiency.¹³

However, politics and funding uncertainties remain the biggest obstacles.¹⁴ Cuts to public health programs, changes in Medicaid and Medicare and restrictions on reproductive and LGBTQ+ care could exacerbate existing health disparities.¹⁴

The next decade will demand a delicate balance between innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that technological and systemic advancements don’t leave the most vulnerable populations behind.

Your takeaway

Expanding healthcare access requires a multi-faceted approach, combining technology, workforce expansion and policy reform.

While physicians are already taking steps to improve access, systemic barriers persist. The next decade presents both opportunities and risks; balancing innovation with inclusivity will be key.

As an Internal Medicine physician on Sermo states, “A robust healthcare system correlates with longer life expectancy and better quality of life.³” Sustainable change must prioritize both efficiency and equity.

Expanding access to healthcare: what needs to be done?

Why is access to healthcare important?

What causes the lack of access to healthcare?

How can doctors help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare?

How can doctors support access to healthcare? Practical steps

The next decade of healthcare access and equity

Your takeaway

Join the conversation on Sermo

Footnotes

Why is access to healthcare important?

What causes the lack of access to healthcare?

How can doctors help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare?

How can doctors support access to healthcare? Practical steps

The next decade of healthcare access and equity

Your takeaway

Join the conversation on Sermo

Footnotes

More strengthening connection

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