GoodRx Report Shows Millions at Risk as Endocrinologist Shortages Hit Nearly 70% of U.S. Counties

Rhea-AI Summary

GoodRx (GDRX) has released a critical healthcare report revealing that nearly 70% of U.S. counties lack endocrinologists, affecting approximately 50 million Americans. The study shows people in these 'endocrinology deserts' face a 12% higher mortality rate from endocrine-related diseases.

The shortage particularly impacts diabetes care, with death rates more than doubling in affected areas. For example, Buffalo County, South Dakota reports 143.3 deaths per 100,000 compared to 56.6 in Bell County, Kentucky, where specialists are available.

To address these challenges, GoodRx offers up to 80% savings on diabetes medications, with 20 medications under $20, exclusive brand-name discounts on GLP-1 and GIP medications, and comprehensive healthcare resources through their Diabetes Center.

Positive

• Offers up to 80% savings on diabetes medications
• Provides access to 20 medications under $20 for diabetes treatment
• Partners with 70,000+ pharmacies nationwide
• Has helped consumers save over $75 billion on prescriptions since 2011
• Trusted by 25 million consumers and 750,000 healthcare professionals annually

Negative

• Report reveals critical healthcare access issues affecting company's target market
• Rising medication costs and pharmacy closures creating additional barriers to care

Insights

Healthcare Market Analyst

This report reveals significant market implications for GoodRx's positioning in the healthcare sector. The widespread endocrinologist shortage creates a substantial opportunity for GoodRx's digital health solutions and prescription savings platform. With 50 million Americans affected and 70% of U.S. counties lacking specialists, GoodRx's digital resources and medication discount programs become increasingly valuable. Their focus on diabetes care, offering up to 80% savings on medications and providing comprehensive health resources, directly addresses a critical market need. This strategic alignment with healthcare accessibility gaps could drive user growth and strengthen GoodRx's market position in the $75 billion prescription savings space they've helped create.

Medical Research Analyst

The correlation between endocrinologist deserts and a 12% higher mortality rate represents a significant public health crisis. The stark contrast in diabetes death rates between regions with and without specialists (143.3 vs 56.6 per 100,000) underscores the critical nature of this shortage. GoodRx's initiative to provide affordable access to diabetes medications and continuous glucose monitors could help mitigate these disparities. Their comprehensive approach, combining medication savings with expert health content, addresses both the financial and educational aspects of diabetes management. This positions them as a important player in bridging the care gap for the 38 million Americans living with diabetes.

50 Million Americans Face Critical Gaps in Care as Demand for Endocrinologists Surges

Living in an Endocrinology Desert Increases Mortality Risk by 12%, Study Finds

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GoodRx (Nasdaq: GDRX), the leading prescription savings platform in the U.S., today revealed startling healthcare disparities in its new report, “Endocrinologist Deserts: A Critical Healthcare Gap for Millions in the U.S.” With nearly 70% of U.S. counties lacking an endocrinologist, the report paints a stark picture of the barriers millions of Americans face in managing life-threatening conditions like diabetes.

The findings come at a critical time as the prevalence of diabetes continues to surge nationwide. Over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, yet many cannot access the specialized care needed to manage their condition effectively. Endocrinologists play a critical role in diagnosing and managing complex hormonal and metabolic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, menopause, thyroid disorders, and more. But for 50 million Americans in endocrinology deserts, help is likely out of reach. The lack of access correlates with significantly higher rates of diabetes complications, obesity, stroke, and even death.

Key findings from the report include:

• Nearly 70% of U.S. counties are entirely without an endocrinologist, leaving millions to delay treatment, travel long distances, or go without care altogether.
• People in counties without endocrinologists face a 12% higher mortality rate from endocrine-related diseases, along with elevated rates of diabetes complications, obesity, and stroke. For patients, this could mean more hospital visits, increased medical expenses, and worse health outcomes.
• Diabetes death rates soar in endocrinology deserts, more than doubling in places like Buffalo County, South Dakota (143.3 per 100,000), compared to Bell County, Kentucky (56.6 per 100,000) where specialists are available.

“The shortage of endocrinologists creates a critical barrier to care, leaving millions unable to manage life-altering conditions—a challenge compounded by rising medication costs and pharmacy closures,” said Tori Marsh, MPH, Director of Research at GoodRx. “Addressing these disparities requires innovative, equitable solutions like telemedicine and incentives for specialists to serve underserved areas, ensuring all patients have access to the treatment they need.”

GoodRx is dedicated to supporting people with diabetes by making essential care more accessible through substantial savings on medications and devices like continuous glucose monitors, as well as expert-created health content to empower individuals to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families. Key offerings include:

• Savings on generic diabetes medications. Save up to 80% off diabetes medications, with 20 medications under $20 to treat diabetes and related conditions.
• Exclusive brand-name discounts. Save on commonly prescribed GLP-1 and GIP medications.
• Trusted health resources. Visit the Diabetes Center for expert advice and treatment options written by doctors, pharmacists, and health experts.

The full endocrinology desert report is available from GoodRx Research, here.

About GoodRx

GoodRx is the leading prescription savings platform in the U.S. Trusted by more than 25 million consumers and 750,000 healthcare professionals annually, GoodRx provides access to savings and affordability options for generic and brand-name medications at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, as well as comprehensive healthcare research and information. Since 2011, GoodRx has helped consumers save over $75 billion on the cost of their prescriptions.

​GoodRx periodically posts information that may be important to investors on its investor relations website at https://investors.goodrx.com. We intend to use our website as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult GoodRx’s website regularly for important information, in addition to following GoodRx’s press releases, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and public conference calls and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, GoodRx’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.

GoodRx Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding anticipated consumer savings and accessibility; and the objectives and potential benefits and value of the GoodRx research and savings. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause GoodRx’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks relating to GoodRx’s ability to achieve broad market education and change consumer purchasing habits, changes in medication pricing and pricing structures, GoodRx’s reliance on a limited number of industry participants, and the important factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in GoodRx’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and GoodRx’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, projections and estimates as of the date of this press release. While GoodRx may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, GoodRx disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause GoodRx’s views to change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217013913/en/

Media Contact

press@goodrx.com

Source: GoodRx

FAQ

What percentage of U.S. counties lack endocrinologists according to GoodRx's 2024 report?

According to GoodRx's report, nearly 70% of U.S. counties lack endocrinologists, creating 'endocrinology deserts' that affect approximately 50 million Americans.

How much higher is the mortality rate in areas without endocrinologists?

People in counties without endocrinologists face a 12% higher mortality rate from endocrine-related diseases.

What savings does GDRX offer on diabetes medications?

GoodRx offers up to 80% savings on diabetes medications, with 20 medications available under $20 to treat diabetes and related conditions.

How many pharmacies are in GoodRx's network as of 2024?

GoodRx provides access to savings and affordability options at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.

How many consumers and healthcare professionals use GoodRx annually?

GoodRx is trusted by more than 25 million consumers and 750,000 healthcare professionals annually.

How much have consumers saved through GoodRx since its founding?

Since 2011, GoodRx has helped consumers save over $75 billion on the cost of their prescriptions.