In general, all objectives of the improvement of the access to health care provided at Healthy People 2030 are highly essential as they contribute to the well-being of every person in the United States. However, from a personal perspective, the objective called “Increase the proportion of people with a usual primary care provider — AHS‑07” is the most beneficial for patients with chronic diseases (Healthy People 2030, n.d.). According to it, primary care providers (PCP) play a crucial role in the maintenance of health and the prevention of serious disease and complications.
The significance of primary care delivery is impossible to overestimate. According to Savoy et al. (2017), it “includes health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of health care settings” (p. 86). Patients with chronic diseases use medical services more frequently in comparison with others and require permanent access to health care. For them, it is essential to have a primary care provider on a regular basis who will monitor their condition and coordinate care with other specialists if necessary.
In addition, a primary care physician may prevent the re-occurrence of more severe complications and avoid additional costs related to treatment. All in all, primary care is associated with quality health care delivery, lower hospitalizations, and “lower rates of healthcare disparities” (Savoy et al., 2017, p. 86). As a result, people with chronic illnesses receive an opportunity to improve their health outcomes by having regular primary care providers. In addition, if patients have their primary care providers for a long time, they create a bond on the basis of mutual trust and respect that contributes to care as well.
References
Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Increase the proportion of people with a usual primary care provider — AHS‑07. Web.
Savoy, M., Hazlett-O’Brien, C., & Rapacciuolo, J. (2017). The role of primary care physicians in managing chronic disease. Delaware Journal of Public Health, 3(1), 86-93. Web.