Primary care access decreases nonurgent hospital visits for indigent diabetics

The objective was to determine the relationship between the source of primary care and utilization of health services among public hospital walk-in clinic patients. A group of 218 adults with diabetes mellitus presenting to a walk-in hospital clinic was followed prospectively with baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month surveys; baseline and 6-month hemoglobin A1Cs; and chart reviews. Sites of care, acquisition of primary care, and report of four diabetes services were recorded. Individuals with a visit to a primary care site by 3 months after enrollment had more primary care visits and fewer walk-in clinic visits over the subsequent 9 months than those without one. Those with a primary care visit within 3 months of enrollment received more of the four diabetes services during the study year than those without. Access to primary care was associated with decreased utilization of nonurgent episodic care services and better quality of diabetes care.