Nearly half of Virginians lack adequate access to primary care, VCU study finds

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is shedding light on a growing health crisis across the Commonwealth.

The research reveals that nearly 44% of Virginians — about 3.8 million people — face limited access to primary care services.

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The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, used statewide health data to identify where gaps in primary care access are most pronounced. Rural areas are particularly affected, with residents often forced to travel long distances for basic medical services, leading many to delay or forgo necessary care.

Researchers attribute the disparities to a combination of factors, including income level, insurance coverage, disability rates and racial and economic segregation.

The study also examined the availability of providers who offer routine wellness visits, such as obstetricians-gynecologists, internists and pediatricians.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore what influences individuals’ decisions to seek — or avoid — primary care, aiming to better understand the barriers that keep Virginians from getting the medical attention they need.