Using data collected through a mail questionnaire survey, this paper examines the extent of primary care physician (PCP) bypassers in rural Kansas, identifies the factors of PCP bypassing, and analyzes the reasons for bypassing as reported by the respondents. A total of 313 Kansas residents living in households in 79 of the state's 105 counties with populations of 20,000 or less participated in this survey. Approximately 16% of the respondents identified themselves as PCP bypassers, indicating they did not utilize the services of the nearest PCP. The findings of this study suggest that user characteristics were more infuential than provider characteristics in the decision to bypass locally available health-care providers. Respondent perceptions regarding the quality of services provided by local PCPs and respondent age were the most important determinants of PCP bypassers. The former also was cited by more than 84% respondents as the main reason for bypassing locally available PCPs.