Modeling Geographic Accessibility to Buprenorphine Treatment: An Analysis of High-Overdose Communities in Texas

This presentation examines geographic accessibility to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder in Texas, focusing on communities with high overdose rates. Using data on buprenorphine prescribers and demographic, social, and transportation indicators, we develop an econometric framework to estimate travel distances and times to treatment. The analysis identifies disparities in accessibility across urban, suburban, and rural areas, highlighting where barriers are most pronounced. Results provide evidence on how geographic factors limit timely access to care, even when treatment capacity exists. Findings inform policy discussions on resource allocation and support strategies to help reduce the opioid-related deaths in high-need populations.

After attending this abstract, the attendees will be able to explain how econometric models can be used to measure geographic accessibility to healthcare services, with a focus on buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder.

After attending this abstract, attendees will be able to describe how community-level characteristics, such as social vulnerability and urbanicity, can be incorporated into econometric analyses to assess disparities in healthcare access.

After attending this abstract, attendees will understand how to apply concepts of travel time, distance, and provider distribution to design evidence-based strategies that improve healthcare accessibility across diverse settings, demonstrating how such models can be adapted to a wide range of patient needs.