Country: United States
Survey Organization: Princeton Survey Research Associates International
Field Dates: May 30, 2006–October 19, 2006
Sample: A random, nationally representative sample of adults at least 18 years of age living in the continental United States.
Sample Size: 3,535
Interview Method: 25-minute telephone interviews in English or Spanish
The Commonwealth Fund 2006 Health Care Quality Survey finds that when adults have health insurance coverage and a medical home—defined as a health care setting that provides patients with timely, well-organized care and enhanced access to providers—racial and ethnic disparities in access and quality are reduced or even eliminated. When adults have a medical home, their access to needed care, receipt of routine preventive screenings, and management of chronic conditions improve substantially. The survey found that rates of cholesterol, breast cancer, and prostate screening are higher among adults who receive patient reminders, and that when minority patients have medical homes, they are just as likely as whites to receive these reminders. The results suggest that all providers should take steps to create medical homes for patients. Community health centers and other public clinics, in particular, should be supported in their efforts to build medical homes for all patients.