Researchers found that rural patients seeking care at health centers funded by HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) experienced lower unmet and delayed medical care and reported that they were more likely to obtain a flu vaccine. At the same time, researchers identified decreases in Pap tests, mammogram screenings, and an increase in emergency department visits. This indicates that health centers in rural areas may still face barriers to providing timely or accessible preventative services that would reduce their patients’ need for acute medical care. Research findings highlight the importance of HRSA’s continued investments to increase access to preventive and primary care services in rural areas. To read this article, and other articles about quality care delivered by health centers, visit BPHC’s Health Center Library.
