Outcome Measures for AR SHIP Priority Area: Access to Care
% of Arkansans receiving age-appropriate preventive screenings
Definition
Data Description and Source
Story Behind the Curve
Why Is This Important?
Getting preventive care reduces the risk for diseases, disabilities, and death — yet millions of people in the United States don’t get recommended preventive health care services.1
Children need regular well-child and dental2,3 visits to track their development and find health problems early, when they’re usually easier to treat. Services like screenings, dental check-ups, and vaccinations are key to keeping people of all ages healthy.
But for a variety of reasons, many people don’t get the preventive care they need. Barriers include cost, not having a primary care provider, living too far from providers, and lack of awareness about recommended preventive services.4,5
Teaching people about the importance of preventive care is key to making sure more people get recommended services. Law and policy changes can also help more people access these critical services.
https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/preventive-care