WASHINGTON (TNND) — A new study from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) finds that more than a quarter of all Americans are not up to date on their health exams and vaccinations.
“The first step toward a healthier America is ensuring every patient has access to the health exams, evidence-based testing, and vaccinations they need,” said Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, AANP President. said in a press release.
Adopting policies that remove barriers to health care and ensure that all patients have access to the preventive testing and health services they need are essential to improving our nation’s health.
The poll found that 27% of Americans have delayed routine health checkups, such as screenings and immunizations, and Ferrera said, “Access to primary health care across many communities is at risk. It highlights that “This survey also highlights broad public support for legislative proposals that improve patient access and choice in health care,” he continued.
According to the Harvard Institute of Public Health, 100 million people in the United States do not have a primary care provider.
An AANP study found that nearly 40% of Americans travel more than 10 miles to receive medical care.
Ferrara said nurses can fill the gap, but only 27 states allow nurses to be primary care providers.
We still need to communicate to patients that nurse practitioners are healthcare professionals with master’s and doctoral level education who are capable of prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests, and ordering screenings. There’s a lot to do.
The poll also found that 73% of adults support legislation that would allow nurses to serve as primary care providers.
“Patients continue to demand greater access to our 385,000 licensed NPs who have undergone rigorous graduate-level education and clinical training to provide quality care across the country.” explained Ferrara. “Patients are already choosing NPs, as evidenced by more than 1 billion patient visits annually. We urge you to enact legislation to ensure timely access to medical care and continuity of care. Policy changes are key to strengthening our nation’s health.”
Telemedicine has revolutionized the healthcare system. This is important for patients who live far from medical facilities. The survey found that 31% of Americans use telemedicine, pharmacy convenience care clinics, or other retail outlets for their primary care.
