Where Are the New Federally Qualified Health Center Sites? Uncovering FQHC Expansion and Ambulatory Care Policy Implications.

Abstract

So-called "geographic expansion race," health care organizations expand physical facilities to different geographical locations as a way to foster growth. This study furthers knowledge on Federally Qualified Health Centers' (FQHCs') geographical expansion in relation to the local market's payer mix. The results indicated that areas with a higher proportion of Medicaid patients with fewer uninsured are more likely to see new FQHC sites opening. The findings are consistent with previous literature on the health care organization's geographical expansion and also indicated that some areas might lack proper FQHC services despite the high needs.