Healthcare Access in DeKalb County
An interactive analysis of key challenges to access to care.
The Five Pillars of Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare is a complex issue. We can understand it better by looking at five key pillars. Click each tab below to explore the data-driven challenges facing DeKalb County in each area.
Pillar I: Health Insurance Coverage
Insurance is the primary gateway to care. The data reveals a significant reliance on public programs, while the overall uninsured rate remains a challenge for working-age adults.
Pillar II: Workforce & Availability
Care is inaccessible if providers and facilities are not available. The data shows a critical lack of specific specialty services, placing a heavy burden on the county's primary care providers and local hospital.
The provider shortage is clear when viewed as population ratios. The county has a stark 3,625-to-1 ratio for Primary Care Physicians. The real-world impact is even more severe in specialty care: there are no pediatricians or OB/GYNs in the entire county, creating critical gaps for children and women. The single hospital and FQHC provide a crucial safety net for the community.
Pillar III: Utilization & Timeliness
Access is also measured by whether residents use the system for preventive care in a timely manner. Key indicators suggest that care is often delayed until it becomes a crisis.
Long ER wait times (using the state average as a proxy) suggest an over-burdened acute care system, often a symptom of insufficient primary care access. This is reinforced by the high rate of preventable hospitalizations. While nearly 70% of pregnant women receive adequate prenatal care, a significant gap remains, impacting health outcomes for the next generation.
Pillar IV: Affordability
Beyond insurance premiums, the actual cost of care can be a significant barrier. This is especially true in a community facing economic headwinds.
The expected increase in ACA premiums puts further strain on household budgets. While a specific county metric is unavailable, the state average shows that nearly 15% of adults already avoid necessary medical care because of cost. Given DeKalb County's economic profile, this figure is a significant local concern, creating a feedback loop where lack of affordability and lack of providers reinforce each other.
Pillar V: Local Investment
This pillar tracks investments in community health, new programs, and infrastructure upgrades, which are crucial for long-term sustainability and improved health outcomes. (Data points for this section are currently being compiled).