Primary Care Spending in Oregon

Primary care is the front line of Oregon’s health care system. Primary care providers deliver preventive services such as flu shots and cancer screenings, respond to new patient needs and undiagnosed conditions, and identify health problems before they become serious. They help patients navigate an increasingly complex health care system, coordinate care with specialists and other providers, and maintain relationships with patients over time. Primary care providers include physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners and naturopathic health care providers. Research indicates that availability of primary care providers is associated with improved health outcomes, including reduced mortality rates, reduced rates of low birth weight and preventable hospitalizations, and increased self-rated health status.