1996 Health Status Survey : Health Care Access and Utilization /

Assuring access to health care has been defined by the Institute of Medicine as one of the key functions of government in public health1. In addition to the ability to access medical care for an acute medical problem, having a primary health care provider, or a "medical home" is also believed to promote health. A person's primary provider has access to his or her medical records, and is able to provide higher quality care by considering the medical and social context of a problem or condition. Routine preventive health visits are another way to promote health in the population. Preventive screening tests, such as Pap smear and blood pressure testing, can detect problems early, often while they are curable. Routine preventive visits also provide an opportunity for doctors to communicate with patients about healthy lifestyle choices.