Document Type

Master's Culminating Experience

Publication Date

7-8-2008

Abstract

Currently, rising health care cost is an important topic on many agendas and platforms. In 2007, health care spending in the United States reached $2.3 trillion, and was projected to reach $3 trillion in 2011 (NCHC, 2007). Increasing health care cost is in direct relationship with the rise in the ageing population, chronic illness, and the uninsured lower socioeconomic population as well. The research on medical compliance and attendance (missed/kept appointment) behavior is an important area to explore because it is critical for all aspects of successful treatment, disease prevention, and health promotions that have direct correlation with health care cost (Winnick et al., 2004).

Research suggests that if a person keeps their medical appointments, they will likely have an improved health status. Furthermore, the research suggests cost effectiveness, for both patient and providers could lead to a decrease in health care cost as a whole.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) are a designated entities to care for the uninsured lower socioeconomic however, there are many requirements and demands placed upon them. Productivity and payer mix (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and self pay) are vital for their sustainability. Actual attendance is at the core of medical compliance and is very essential in the success of FQHC’s.

There is great need to explore and identify multiple interventions that may lead to increased success in the area of compliance. Very important to the research are the behaviors that are directly implicated in whether increased compliance is accomplished.

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