Comparison of Access to Primary Care Medical and Dental Appointments Between Simulated Patients Who Were Deaf and Patients Who Could Hear

Key Points Question Are patients who can hear more likely to secure primary care medical or dental appointments than patients who are deaf? Findings In this cross-sectional study including 8 simulated patients, those who could hear were nearly 2 times more likely to secure appointments at 445 clinics than were simulated patients who were deaf. Among 80 unsuccessful requests made by simulated patients who were deaf, 48% were associated with a request for interpretation. Meaning The findings of this study suggest the patients who are deaf and request interpreter services may experience diminished access to care at primary medical and dental clinics.