A telephone poll conducted last fall showed about a quarter of Kentucky adults surveyed said they didn’t have one regular doctor or medical provider. The 24 percent figure was some six points higher than that found in 2009.
Bonnie Hackbarth with the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky finds that troubling. “We’re worried that this is a trend that needs to change and we want to make sure people understand the value of going to the same place every time. So, there is consistency in your treatment and you’re getting those preventive care measures like health screenings and vaccinations that will prevent chronic disease long term,” said Hackbarth.
The Kentucky Health Issues Poll was funded by the Foundation and Interact for Health. The poll also found that about eight percent of adults questioned said they go to the emergency room or urgent care center for their medical attention. That’s roughly the same percentage as almost a decade ago.?
