Proximity to Healthcare Services Among Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe travel from residence to healthcare facilities among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: The sample included 302 males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy born on January 1, 2000, and followed through December 31, 2015. Using geocoded residential and facility addresses, the authors estimated travel time for trips to unique facilities. Results: The authors identified 7,546 provider visits and 6,064 visits to unique facilities. Over an average of 4.8 person-years of follow-up, the authors estimated a mean of 5.3 unique provider visits and a mean of 4.3 unique visits to facilities per person-year. Overall median drive time exceeded 1.5 hours roundtrip, and averaged overall median 1-way public transit time was 1.9 hours. The longest drive times were detected among younger, non-Hispanic Whites, and other race/ethnicity groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest long travel times for clinical care for a subset of individuals. Additional research is needed to examine the burden associated with traveling to healthcare facilities.