The ability to see a healthcare provider in a timely manner essentially defines healthcare access. Of particular importance are primary care providers. Health care reforms have elevated the roles of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses as keys to prevention, and thereby better, health.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a shortfall of physicians in the United States by 2025 due to a combination of contributing factors – population growth, healthcare reform, an aging population and small increases in newly minted physicians. In light of this impending shortage, the AAMC has called for a 30% increase in U.S. medical school enrollment and an expansion of Graduate Medical Education positions. Furthermore, the annual graduating classes of nurses have hardly been large enough to provide adequate care nationwide.
Another dimension of access to healthcare is, of course, the ability to pay for it through adequate insurance coverage. Even if the local supply of healthcare providers is adequate, by national norms at least, the absence of insurance coverage will leave a resident without access.
The specific question asked respondents was “Do you have one person (or more than one person) you think of as your personal doctor or health care provider?”
This indicator measures the share of residents in Walla Walla County who indicated that they have a primary care physician. Washington State serves as a benchmark.
