Access to Care

Access to Care is a broad topic that deals with reducing individuals' barriers  to receiving comprehensive quality health care.  As identified by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Access to Care focuses on three important components: 

1. "Gaining entry into a the health care system (usually through insurance); 
2. Accessing a location where needed health care services are provided (geographic availability); and
3. Finding a health care provider whom the patient trusts and can communicate with (personal relationship)."  

The 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by MUSC, Roper St. Francis and Trident United Way found that some of the common barriers for individuals in the tri-county accessing care were: cost/coverage, fear, transportation, and understanding/knowledge of resources.  Through the strategies identified below, the Access to Care plan seeks to reduce these barriers and provide equitable access to care for all in the Tri-County.

Goal:

1. Increase access to quality health care and services (medical, clinical preventative, mental health, dental) by closing the insurance coverage gap, building provider capacity and reducing transportation barriers.

Sources: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  Access to Health Services, Overview. Retrieved from: healthypeople.gov.