PART II - PRIMARY-CARE FOR THE MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED - CHALLENGES ANDOPPORTUNITIES

The medically underserved present unique challenges to primary care pr actitioners. Sociocultural and financial barriers of the underserved i mpede access to necessary care; the prevalence and severity of disease s in the underserved population vary from those of the general populat ion; the institution of preventive-care measures can be especially pro blematic; and the doctor-patient relationship is uncommonly complex. T his article reviews current thinking about the causes of unequal healt h, the effects of unequal health care, and the special opportunities f or disease prevention among the socioeconomically disadvantaged people in the US. Sensitivity to these and other issues can enhance primary care practitioners' efforts to improve care of the underserved now, pe nding future political consensus about universal health insurance.