Americans who received primary care services saw more high-value care, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
For the study, researchers examined whether there is a link between primary care services and high-value services, low-value services and patient experience. The study authors analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, comparing care delivered to 49,286 adults with primary care and 21,133 adults without primary care from 2012-14.
Researchers found about 78 percent of respondents with primary care received a high-value cancer screening. That's compared to 67 percent of respondents without primary care. When it came to low-value care, respondents with or without primary care services received similar low-value services.
"Receipt of primary care was associated with significantly more high-value care, slightly more low-value care, and better healthcare experience," the researchers concluded. "Policymakers and health system leaders seeking to improve value should consider increasing investments in primary care."
For the full study, click here.
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