Which challenge might a patient navigator encounter in rural areas?

Limited access to specialized healthcare services is a significant challenge that patient navigators often encounter in rural areas. In these regions, patients may face obstacles such as fewer healthcare facilities, longer travel distances to reach available services, and a shortage of specialists like oncologists, cardiologists, or mental health professionals. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, making it crucial for patient navigators to help coordinate care, connect patients with available resources, and find ways to overcome geographic and logistical barriers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the realities of rural healthcare. High availability of healthcare resources and routine health visits from specialists are typically more characteristic of urban settings. Excessive patient loads can be a challenge in healthcare systems overall but is not specifically linked to the unique challenges faced in rural areas, where the issue often lies more in access rather than volume.