As fall arrives, ushering in flu season and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
® (AANP) has released concerning findings from its latest survey: more than a quarter of Americans are not up to date with essential health screenings and immunizations. This includes vital screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer—interventions that could be life-saving during this high-risk period.
The AANP’s State of Primary Care in America survey reveals that 27% of respondents have fallen behind on preventive health measures. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of adults—particularly younger individuals, Hispanics, and those in rural areas—are struggling to access necessary healthcare services.
The survey underscores a significant opportunity for improvement, as public support for allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) to act as primary care providers has reached a staggering 73%. This shift could facilitate greater access to essential screenings and flu vaccinations, promoting the timely detection of serious conditions like breast cancer.
Access to primary care remains a critical issue for many Americans, but NPs are stepping up to fill the gap, conducting over 1 billion patient visits annually. Patients advocating for expanded NP access are increasingly recognizing their ability to provide high-quality, convenient care, especially in underserved areas.
Key findings from the survey include:
27% of Americans need to be updated with their health screenings.
Nearly 40% of respondents travel more than 10 miles for care, facing significant accessibility challenges.
73% of the public supports legislative changes to enhance access to NPs for primary care.
Support for NPs has notably increased among Black, young, and rural patients.
“The first step toward a healthier America is to ensure that every patient can access the recommended health checks, evidence-based screenings, and immunizations they need,” emphasized Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, president of AANP. “Adopting policies that remove barriers to care and ensure all patients can access the preventive screenings and health services they need is essential to improving the health of our nation. These latest results underscore the ongoing crisis of access to primary health care, which cuts across many communities. The survey also highlights the broad public support for legislative proposals that would improve patient access and choice in healthcare.”
Among adults who sought primary care, almost a third (31%) used telehealth or convenient care clinics at pharmacies and other retailers.This trend aligns with previous AANP findings from April 2023, where over 25% of adults reported waiting more than two months for an appointment with a healthcare provider. The current survey further reveals that nearly 40% of respondents travel more than 10 miles for care, with those traveling further facing more significant access challenges (42%) than those living closer (23%).
“Patients continue to want greater access to the 385,000 licensed NPs who undergo demanding graduate-level education and clinical training to deliver high-quality care across the country,” Ferrara added. “Patients are already choosing NPs, as demonstrated by more than one billion patient visits annually. We urge lawmakers to enact legislation that removes restrictions on NP-delivered healthcare, giving patients timely access to preventive and ongoing care services. Policy changes are key to strengthening the health of our nation.”
As we navigate this crucial time of year, individuals must take charge of their health and ensure they receive the necessary screenings and immunizations. With increasing support for nurse practitioners, there is hope for improved access to care and a healthier future for all.
The post Urgent Call to Action: Survey Reveals Many Americans Missing Critical Health Screenings first appeared on Daily Nurse.