American Indians and Alaska Natives face persistent disparities in health and health care, including high uninsured rates, significant barriers to obtaining needed care, and poor health status (2013). The most common standard applied for eligibility for health services from the Indian Health Service is that the individual is an enrolled member of a Federally recognized Tribe (2016).
I had an interesting conversation with the Denver Indian health facility. I had this very nice young man answered a few questions about the native American barriers to healthcare. Which I found out that there is not a lot of.
Accessibility- Is transportation available? Are there geographic boundaries that are impenetrable? They have resources for some that have special needs otherwise, you need to find your own way there.
Affordability- Does the patient have financial resources to cover the cost? It is government funded and completely free to all those that belong to Indian Health Services.
Appropriateness- Are the offered services …show more content…
They have multiple services available: basics primary care for chronic and acute illnesses and referrals for advanced or specialty care, basic vision and dental care, behavioral/ mental health/ substance abuse, family planning and routine physicals for the whole family with well care check-ups, vaccines and flu shots. They have a pharmacy outlet, in-house labs, diabetes clinic and wellness gym. Also, if you need help trying to access the care they provide, a free service to give health and insurance assistance. they will help you with all the paperwork so that you have full access to care wherever you