Diagnostic precision and identification of rare diseases is dependent on distance of residence relative to tertiary medical facilities

Abstract Background Diagnostic precision and the identification of rare diseases is a daily challenge, which needs specialized expertise. We hypothesized, that there correlation between distance residence to next tertiary medical facility with highly care diagnostic precision, especially for diseases. Results Using nation-wide hospitalization database, we found negative association diversity travel time referral hospital when including all cases throughout overall International Classification Diseases version 10 German Modification (ICD-10-GM) diagnosis codes. This was paralleled standardized incidence rates in groups defined by Orphanet disease nomenclature, except teratologic allergic Conclusion Our findings indicate higher risk being mis-, under- or late diagnosed living more distant facility. Greater basically increases chance non-comprehensive regional less capacity, and, thus, impacts on adapted health access. Therefore, solutions overcoming as an indicator access are major goal future.