Visits to Health Centers, by Selected Characteristics: United States, 2023

Abstract

Objective: This report presents national estimates of visits to health centers in the United States in 2023. Estimates are presented for selected characteristics and compared by age, sex, and race and ethnicity. Methods: Estimates were calculated from the 2023 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Health Center Component. Data were collected from federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and health center program look-alikes, which meet federal requirements but do not receive federal funding. Data were weighted to produce nationally representative estimates of visits to health centers in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Results: During 2023, an estimated 119.9 million visits were made to health centers in the United States, an overall rate of 363.2 visits per 1,000 people. The visit rate among females (450.5) was higher than for males (272.4). Visit rates were highest for Hispanic people (767.7) compared with White non-Hispanic (subsequently, White) (167.1), Black non-Hispanic (subsequently, Black) (391.5), and non-Hispanic people of other races (192.4). Differences in visit rates by age were not statistically significant. Diseases accounted for about one-half of health center visits (53.8%), and symptoms and signs accounted for 22.0% of visits. Examinations (12.7%) and screenings (10.2%) were also frequent reasons for health center visits. Endocrine diseases represented the most frequently mentioned disease category at health center visits (24.5%), overall and among adults age 45 and older. For visits by adults ages 18-44, mental health disorders represented the most common disease category (20.3%). Among visits by children and adolescents age 17 and younger, respiratory diseases (14.8%) and mental health disorders (12.9%) were the most common disease categories. Conclusions: Females visited health centers at a higher rate than males. Hispanic and Black people visited health centers at a higher rate than White people. Visit characteristics differed by age.