Health Care Services Used by Appalachians in Southwest Virginia

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the healthcare services used by Appalachians in southwest Virginia. The study finds that emergency room users are likely to be never married and male. On the other hand, those with a diagnosed medical condition are likely to choose a physician as their primary healthcare provider. The results underscore the critical role of insurance in health care. Individuals with no health coverage are more likely to use emergency room services. The study finds no difference in healthcare services in terms of private or public insurance. Both groups are equally likely to use a physician as their primary healthcare provider.

Keywords

• health care
• Applachia
• medical insurance