Importance of a regular source of medical care among the elderly

In recent years health services researchers have become increasingly aware of the importance of a regular doctor to whom the patient usually goes when sick or in need of advice about health, as a means of providing a point of entry to needed medical care. For example, persons who have a regular source of care seem more likely to receive an annual physical examination, to experience continuity of care when needed, and to be satisfied with the care received. Yet, despite the importance of an established tie to a regular treatment source, evidence is scanty with respect to the aged. To address the issue, this study employs data from a national probability sample of 11,619 persons, of whom 1,506 were aged 65 or older. The findings indicate that several factors (e.g., sex, race, education, and community size) which traditionally have served as important indicators of the use of health services fail to emerge as strong determinants regarding the regular source of care among the aged. The consequences of these findings and implications for future research are discussed.