HEALTHCARE IN THE UNITED STATES
ACCESS ISSUES IN HEALTH CARE
Figure 8.3: Health Insurance Coverage Among Adults Aged 18–64, By Type of Coverage and Race and Hispanic Origin: United States, 2007–2018 (Preliminary Data). NOTES: Estimates for 2018 are preliminary and are shown with a dashed line. Health insurance categories are mutually exclusive. A small percentage of people are covered by Medicare, military plans, or other plans. Estimates for this group are not presented.
Source: Health, United States 2018
Attribution: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
License: Public Domain
8.4.2 Obtaining Needed Services Within an Accessible Location
There is a shortage of primary care physicians throughout the U.S. Numbers of advanced practice professionals (best known as advanced practice providers, but sometimes also called physician extenders)—nurse practitioners and physician assistants—are increasing throughout the nation. Yet, at the present time, primary care services may not be available in many locations. Obtaining specialty services may not be available either. Important to note is that many locations offer public health departments or community health services. Having a healthcare provider or healthcare services in close proximity is essential for individuals to receive the appropriate care when healthcare is needed and in a timely manner. Moreover, equitable care with improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs occurs when individuals have healthcare services provided and utilized on a regular basis (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], 2019a).
8.4.3 Finding the Right Patient-Provider Relationship Where Communication, Mutual Trust and Respect are Obtained
Having a healthcare provider who demonstrates caring behaviors and attitudes is important in a healthcare provider-patient relationship. Caring is shown when there is respect and a non-judgmental attitude towards someone regardless of the individual’s culture, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability. Caring and
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