AtlantiCare Community Needs Assessment 2019

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER SUPPLYAND UTILIZATION It is recommended for optimal and continuous medical care that individuals should have an established relationship with a primary care provider. Atlantic County has 221 primary care providers. This creates a primary care provider ratio of 1,230:1. This ratio is below the state ratio of 1,190:1 and well behind the top decile national performers at 1,050:1 individuals to one primary care provider. 85% of survey respondents indicated that they had one person they considered to be their primary care provider. Women were more likely to indicate having a relationship with a primary care provider. Annual wellness visits are recommended for all ages to review family history, receive any recommended vaccinations, and also conduct any preventative screenings. At these visits individuals along with their provider can create or update any prevention or wellness plans that they have established. 81% of survey respondents indicated that they received a wellness visit within the last year, and another 16% received one in the last three years. 4% acknowledged not visiting a doctor in more than three years. URGENT CARE Urgent care is a walk-in medical clinic, which typically is staffed with clinicians who are trained in emergency medicine. Urgent care centers provide convenience for the consumer as no appointments are required. Urgent care centers often operate outside of the traditional medical office hours. It is intended to provide medical care when one is unable to obtain a timely appointment to see their primary care provider. Atlantic County is home to six urgent centers. These are located in Egg Harbor Township, Hammonton, Galloway, Somers Point, Northfield, and Atlantic City.

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