The impact of a clinic move on vulnerable patients with chronic disease: A geographic information systems (GIS) analysis

Background: changing locations disrupts the populations served by primary health care clinics,and such changes may differentially affect access to care for vulnerable populations. methods: online geographic information systems mapping tools were used to define how the relocation of a family medicine center impacted access to care for black and hispanic patients with chronic disease. results: maps created from practice management data revealed a distinct shift in black and hispanic patients with chronic disease being served in the new location. conclusions: geographic information systems tools are valuable aids in defining changing service areas of primary health care clinics.