More than 2,100 U.S. counties lack a single gastroenterologist. That’s nearly 50 million Americans—many older, poorer, and rural—forced to travel 25 miles or more for care that could detect cancer, manage IBD, or even save lives. Why does this gap exist, and what can be done?
While patients in remote counties wait or rely on overburdened primary care, the FDA is charging forward. Recent months saw landmark approvals: the first-ever blood test to screen for colorectal cancer, new biologics for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, and rapid diagnostics for hepatitis C—all signaling a leap in innovation. But can technology outpace the access crisis?