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Factors affecting the extent to which individuals aged 65 and over living in inner-city households received health care for three chronic conditions (high blood pressure, heart trouble, arthritis) are examined. These factors are age, sex, living arrangements, and the presence of more than one chronic condition. Indicators of receiving care are having seen a health care provider within the previous six months and being on medication for the condition. A more detailed scrutiny of care received for high blood pressure is undertaken as well. This analysis is part of a larger study investigating health care of groups within East Baltimore Care for chronic conditions is a major aspect of health services to elderly, non-institutionalized people. Data from the National Health Interview Survey indicate that 85 per cent of people aged 65 and over report at least one chronic disease or condition, and 54 per cent of this group report activity limitations attributable to such conditions.' Ambulatory care of such conditions is important because of its potential for maintaining independent functioning in the community and avoiding institutional care. This paper reports on factors affecting the extent to which people aged 65 and over received or sought health care for three chronic conditions: high blood pressure, heart trouble and arthritis. Indicators of care include having seen a provider for the condition in the previous six months and being on medication for the condition. Factors to be examined with seeking and receiving care include: age and sex;2 living arrangements;3 4 and the presence of more than one chronic condition.5-7 A more detailed scrutiny of aspects of management of high blood pressure is undertaken as well.The data are drawn from a larger, multi-faceted study of health care behavior and experiences of residents of East Baltimore, a low-income, predominantly black community within the City of Baltimore. As in similar urban areas who utilize different systems of care, focusing on a hospital outpatient department and a new HMO. Data were obtained from 1455 household interviews among three sample populations: enrollees in an HMO, public housing project residents, and the general community. The findings indicate that high proportions of the elderly who report having these conditions also report receiving care for them. For people with high blood pressure, the majority are receiving care and being given self-care instructions, and high proportions report compliance with instructions. (Am. J. Public Health 66: [660][661][662][663][664][665][666] 1976) throughout the country, the major sources of ambulatory care are hospital clinics and emergency rooms as the supply of private, primary care physicians has decreased. The single most frequent provider of ambulatory care for the population studied here is The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Beginning in 1971, ambulatory care has also been provided by the East Baltimore Medical Plan, a prepaid group practice program which provides a comprehensive range of services ...

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