Contraception in Primary Care — Embracing the Institute of Medicine Challenge

Abstract

This article focuses on the issue of contraception within the context of primary health care. Institute of Medicine released a historic report outlining key preventive health services for women to be covered by insurers under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without consumer cost sharing. Particularly notable was the report's inclusion of contraception, with the implication that insurers should fully cover the costs for all contraceptive methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as for education and counseling. Needed are the reforms in medical education and primary care delivery to ensure that women receive safe, effective, and appropriate contraceptive care. A particularly problematic issue is the shortage of providers trained in highly effective, reversible contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. In addition, primary care practices and patient centered medical homes must prioritize contraceptive care. To facilitate the provision of effective family planning, payment reforms must ensure that primary care providers are adequately compensated for time spent in counseling patients regarding contraception and preconception. Since family planning protects the health of women, children, and communities, it is quiet essential primary care service. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)