The World Health Organization (2010) defines primary health care as
Essential health care based on practical, scientifically
sound, and socially acceptable methods and technology made universally
accessible to individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to
them and at a cost that the community and the country can afford to maintain at
every stage of their development in a spirit of self-reliance and
self-determination. It forms an integral part of both the country's health
system of which it is the central function and the main focus of the overall
social and economic development of the community. It is the first level of
contact of individuals, the family, and the community with the national health
system, bringing health care as close as possible to where people live and work
and constitutes the first element of a continuing health care process.
Primary care plays a central role in a health care system. Traditionally, primary care has been the cornerstone and conceptual foundation for ambulatory health services, or outpatient care, as well (Shi & Singh, 2008, p. 247-248). Therefore, a strong primary care delivery system is essential to creating an efficient outpatient care delivery system in reforming the United States health care system.
We believe that primary care is a right that should be provided to all American citizens. The World Health Organization's definition of primary care includes the phrases, "Essential health care...made universally accessible." It has been estimated that 75-85 percent of people in a general population require only primary care services in a given year. Additionally, Americans, on average, make three visits per year to physician offices, with the most common reason being a general medical examination (Shi & Singh, 2008, p. 247). With the provision of properly provided primary care services, the United States health care system could become more cost-efficient, as prevention and primary care cost less than secondary or tertiary care and provide greater benefits. A continuum of health care is essential not only for individuals, but also for communities, to enable a country's social and economic development. A health care delivery system that lacks universal access is ill-equipped to meet that objective.
We also believe that primary care providers should act as gatekeepers. This practice is already used by managed care organizations in the United States, where many Americans view this as a threat to their freedom of choice. However, the intervention of primary care protects patients from unnecessary procedures and over-treatment because specialists tend to use additional medical tests and procedures more often than primary care providers. The additional procedures also increase the risk of iatrogenic complications. When a person's comprehensive health care needs are coordinated by a trained primary care professional, it leads to better health outcomes and cost-efficiency (Shi & Singh, 2008, p. 282).
Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2008). Delivering health care in America: a systems approach (4th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
World Health Organization. (2010). Primary health care. Retrieved February 14, 2010, from http://www.who.int/topics/primary_health_care/en/
Oh...primary care is a right? eww....
ReplyDeleteWho's going to pay for that?
Thank you for your question. We do believe, as all Americans including conservatives believe that a certain level of healthcare is indeed a right for all American citizens. A Wisconsin conservative, Representative Mike Huebsch stated that he does not believe Americans have the right to health care. He also said that Americans are not allowed the right to food or a house. He believes these things must be earned---we do not offer provisions of food and shelter for Americans. We, however, believe that access to quality, affordable healthcare is a right as stated in the Declaration of Independence (right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.)
ReplyDeleteWe feel that providing basic primary care services will be extremely beneficial to our country as a whole. We currently pay for the care of those who cannot afford insurance through a cost shift to our insurance premiums. We can do better than #37 according to the WHO and we can do it in a more efficient manner than the current system.
I like that you mentioned primary care physicians should be gatekeepers to other services. In situations where it is appropriate (non-emergency), I would agree that patients should have to go through a gatekeeper to access secondary care. A simple stomach flu/fever does not require a CT scan of the abdomen to determine the cause. I have heard about people who have gone in for unnecessary procedures because they have self diagnosed.
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