Over a quarter of all Americans are not up to date with their health screenings and shots, according to a new American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) survey. “The first step toward a healthier America is to ensure that every patient can access the recommended health checks, evidence-based screenings, and immunizations they need,” Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, president of AANP, said in a press release.
Adopting policies that remove barriers to care and ensure all patients can access the preventive screenings and health services they need is essential to improving the health of the nation. The poll found that 27% of Americans were behind on regular health checkups, like screenings and shots, which Ferrara said “underscores the ongoing crisis of access to primary health care, which cuts across many communities.” “The survey also highlights the broad public support for legislative proposals that would improve patient access and choice in health care,” he continued.
According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 100 million people in the U.
S. don’t have a primary care provider. The AANP survey found nearly 40% of Americans travel more than 10 miles to access care.
Ferrara said nurse practitioners can help with the shortage, but only 27 states allow nurse practitioners to be primary care providers. “We still have a lot of work to do to convey to patients that nurse practitioners are providers who have the ability to prescribe medications, order diagn.