Topic: Access to Care

Access to health care means having "the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes."

• Access to health care consists of four components:
  • Coverage: facilitates entry into the health care system. Uninsured people are less likely to receive medical care and more likely to have poor health status.
  • Services: Having a usual source of care is associated with adults receiving recommended screening and prevention services.
  • Timeliness: ability to provide health care when the need is recognized.
  • Workforce: capable, qualified, culturally competent providers.