Seeking Medical Care

Great Essays
Introduction: Individuals should seek appropriate and timely medical attention to facilitate early intervention and management of any acute illness or chronic disease (Jin, Sklar, Oh, & Li, 2008). Participation and compliance with prescribed medical treatment is often crucial in preventing further complications and has proven to significantly affect prognosis and best outcomes (Dang, Giordano, & Kim, 2011). After implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the question still persists: What are the primary reasons that patients do not seek medical care? Several common factors are identified contributing to and influencing the behaviors in a patient- centered healthcare delivery system (Levesque, Harris, & Russell 2013). Literature suggests …show more content…
Sometimes, these behavioral issues are frequently related to the fear of unknown or a diagnosis that would result in a stigma-related disease, significantly impacting their lives forever (Dang, et. al., 2011). Denial and fear inhibits the realization of an illness or diagnosis which delays further evaluation and decision making regarding treatment plans (Levesque, et. al., 2013). Other significant behavioral explanations for not seeking medical care include time commitment and trust factors. Physician visits require planning and scheduling time away from work. The time commitment for initial consultation and any subsequent visits or treatments is a factor that must be considered (Jin, et. al., 2008). While time is valued by many individuals, the sense of trust and mutual respect is even more appreciated. Croker, (2013), defines trust as the most critical element affecting patient compliance and participation in seeking medical care. Development of trust in a provider and feeling that your issues are being heard with sincerity, and treating you with a caring attitude is often the decisive element that factors into a patient’s compliance in seeking care (Henselmans, et. al., 2015). Any perceived gaps in communication, trust, and the patient-provider relationship has potential to significantly impact patient compliance and participation in a negative manner (Henselmans, et. al., 2015). …show more content…
Many times, funding and availability of low cost medical provider options are contributing circumstances inside of this category for access to care (Levesque, et. al., 2013). There is evidence to suggest limited access to care and availability of services by offices being closed to referrals or acceptance of new patients, as well as significant delays in wait times for appointments (Jin, et. al.,

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