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According to research published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), just over half (51%) of physician office visits are to a primary care provider (PCP). AHRQ emphasizes the importance of PCP visits on improving our healthcare system towards becoming not only cost-effective, but integrated and patient-centered1.
With a majority of patients seeking healthcare services through PCP visits, the potential to improve quality, cost, and experience in regards to healthcare is found within the primary care system. However, due to increasing restrictions such as time, PCPs sometimes fall short of assisting patients with complex healthcare needs. The National Center for Health Statistics found that the average number of practicing PCPs in the US estimated just over 200,000. With a majority of Americans (490 million) attending PCP office visits, the ratio of patient to PCP does not allow for high-quality care2.
The Integrated Health Advocacy Program provides a cost-effective solution to assisting patients receive individualized care3. With IHAP, participants collaborate with their team of advocates and receive education and ongoing support for all of their conditions. To learn more about these results, contact Maria E. J. Kuhn at mkuhn@ihap.com, or visit www.ihap.com
REFERENCES:
1 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2012).Primary Care Workforce Facts and Stats: Overview. Retrieved from: http://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/publications/files/pcworkforce.pdf
2 National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2010: With Special Feature on Death and Dying. Hyattsville, MD. 2011. 3 Krause, C.M., Jones, C.S., Joyce, S., Kuhn, M.E.J., Curtin, K., Murphy, L.P., Krause, C.M.J., Boan, B., and Lucas, D.R. (2006). The impact of a multidisciplinary, integrated approach on improving the health and quality of care for individuals dealing with multiple chronic conditions. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76(1), 109-114.
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