Advocacy for preventive services in family medicine
As the largest society of primary care physicians, the AAFP is committed to building healthy communities, lowering health care costs and improving patient health and well-being through high-quality health care delivery and access.
Family physicians play an important role in community health, both as clinicians and as leaders who understand that what takes place outside of the doctor’s office (the social determinants of health) affects health outcomes. Primary care (comprehensive, first contact, whole person, continuing care) is the foundation of an efficient health system.
Why preventive care matters
Reducing chronic disease burden
An increase of one primary care physician per 10,000 people is associated with an average mortality reduction of 5.3%, or 49 fewer deaths per 100,000 per year. U.S. states with higher ratios of primary care physicians to population have better health outcomes, including lower rates of all causes of mortality, including heart disease, cancer and stroke.
Improving population health outcomes
High-quality primary care is necessary to improve population health, enhance the patient experience and lower per capita costs to encourage prevention, treat acute health issues, identify adverse health conditions and manage chronic diseases.
of American women skipped a preventive health service in the past 12 months, according to a 2023 poll.
Policy priorities and legislative actions
As the leading voice for primary care, the Academy champions preventive health to improve outcomes, reduce costs and strengthen communities. The Academy supports screenings, immunizations and policies that address both clinical care and social determinants of health.
Recent AAFP communications
Joint communications with other organizations
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