Provider continuity and reasons for not having a provider among persons with and without disabilities

摘要

BackgroundPersons with disabilities experience health disparities while having usual providers more frequently than persons without disabilities. Provider discontinuity may help to explain these paradoxical findings, but research on the topic is nascent. ObjectiveTo provide initial insight into whether persons with disabilities more frequently experience provider discontinuity than persons without disabilities. MethodsPooled 2-year data from panels 14–16 (2009–2012) of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were examined. Working-age adults (18–64) were categorized as having no disability, basic disabilities, or complex disabilities. Persons were categorized having provider continuity (provider throughout the period) or discontinuity (gaining or losing providers during the period). χ2and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine outcomes by disability status. ResultsPersons with complex disabilities more frequently experienced continuity (83.7%) than persons without disabilities and those with basic disabilities (60.7% and 65.6%, respectively, p?