A Spatial Analysis

This study first aims to answer the question: does location affect quality of care? It does so by investigating the disparities between urban and rural health care focusing on advantageous factors inherent in urban areas and disadvantageous factors inherent in rural areas. Findings indicate that significant differences between these types of locations do exist and contribute to the quality of care that residents receive. In addition, these differences are found to have detrimental effects on mortality rates within disadvantaged rural areas and thus lead to the “nonmetropolitan mortality penalty. ” After analyzing counter arguments and policy suggestions, the study concludes with possible opportunities to combat the nonmetropolita