Special needs of vulnerable and underserved populations: models, existing and proposed, to meet them.

Abstract

The rapidly changing environment in the health care industry offers great challenges, especially to those providers who traditionally have cared for vulnerable and underserved populations. These populations have special health care needs resulting from various factors, including race, geography, environment, and lack of access. Some promising existing publicly funded models serve these populations well. Partnerships between these programs and private practitioners would be mutually beneficial to the practices and improve access to care.