Access to care is getting a low grade

Access to care could be considered the theme of this week’s edition. One report shows that the United States received a D- on the American College of Emergency Physicians report card when it comes to access to emergency care. Another survey, based on data from the 2013 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of the General Public, shows that only 48% of Americans were able to schedule same or next day appointments with their regular family physician—a percentage that was better than Canada in a survey of 11 countries. So where are we supposed to go when we need medical care? When you’re sick, do you wait until you can see your primary care physician, or do you head to the emergency room?

As always, Thanks for reading!

Mary Stevens, editor, Medical Staff leader Insider