Changes in primary care access at community health centers between 2012/2013 and 2016

Objective

To compare access at community health centers (s) vs private offices (non‐CHCs) under the Affordable Care Act.

Data Source

Ten state primary care audit conducted in 2012/2013 and 2016.

Study Design

s and non‐s were called. We calculated difference in differences comparing s vs non‐s by caller insurance type.

Principal Findings

In both rounds, Medicaid and uninsured callers had higher appointment rates at than non‐s. appointment rates significantly increased between 2012/2013 and 2016 for both employer‐sponsored and Medicaid callers, with no significant wait time changes. Appointment rates increased (13.5% points,  < 0.001) and wait times decreased (−5.7 days,  = 0.017) at s relative to non‐s for employer‐sponsored insurance.

Conclusion

Appointment availability at s improved after implementation, without increased wait times.