Medical Care – Health and Medical Services Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Medical Care for High-Impact Publications

Medical Care stands as a cornerstone in the field of health services research, offering researchers a prestigious platform to disseminate findings that shape healthcare policy and practice. Established in 1966, this journal has consistently delivered rigorous, peer-reviewed articles that address critical issues in medical care delivery, access, quality, and outcomes. With a focus on empirical studies, methodological advancements, and policy implications, Medical Care attracts contributions from multidisciplinary experts worldwide. Its commitment to evidence-based insights makes it a go-to resource for academics, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to advance health systems.

The journal's editorial process emphasizes methodological soundness and real-world relevance, ensuring that published works influence clinical guidelines and public health strategies. Researchers value Medical Care for its broad readership, which includes over 10,000 subscribers and millions of online views annually. Whether exploring disparities in care, evaluating interventions, or analyzing cost-effectiveness, the journal provides a forum for impactful scholarship. Its integration with Lippincott Williams & Wilkins' robust dissemination network amplifies the reach of your work, fostering citations and collaborations.

Publishing in Medical Care enhances your academic profile, as evidenced by its steady ranking in the top quartile of public health journals. The peer review is thorough yet efficient, typically concluding within 8-10 weeks. Authors benefit from open access options and global indexing, maximizing visibility. For those navigating the competitive landscape of health research, Medical Care offers a reliable path to recognition. Consider submitting your manuscript to contribute to this vital discourse and drive meaningful change in healthcare.

To explore academic opportunities that align with your expertise in health services, visit our higher education jobs in healthcare section.

Overview & History

Medical Care was founded in 1966 by the American Public Health Association and has evolved into a flagship publication under Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Initially focused on health services administration, it expanded to encompass a wide array of topics in health outcomes research. Over the decades, the journal has published seminal works on topics like Medicare policy, patient safety, and telemedicine adoption. Today, it remains dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practice, with a circulation that spans academic institutions, government agencies, and healthcare organizations across the United States and beyond.

Key milestones include its transition to online-first publication in the early 2000s, enhancing accessibility for global audiences. The journal's history reflects the maturation of health services research as a discipline, adapting to emerging challenges such as health equity and digital health innovations. Its enduring legacy lies in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, making it an essential archive for scholars studying the evolution of medical care systems.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Medical Care covers the full spectrum of health services research, emphasizing studies that inform policy, improve quality, and reduce disparities. Topics include healthcare utilization, provider behavior, patient-centered outcomes, and economic evaluations. The journal welcomes quantitative and qualitative approaches, from randomized trials to econometric analyses.

Contributions must demonstrate clear implications for practice or policy, aligning with the journal's mission to advance equitable healthcare.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics underscore Medical Care's influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its relevance in a dynamic field.

Indexing and Abstracting

Medical Care is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, facilitating access for researchers worldwide. Abstracting services like CINAHL and PsycINFO further extend its reach to nursing and behavioral health audiences. This comprehensive coverage supports high download rates and citation potential, vital for career advancement in health sciences.

• PubMed: Full-text availability for open access articles.
• Scopus: Tracks citations and author metrics.
• Web of Science: Enables Journal Impact Factor calculations.
• DOAJ: Not listed, as it's subscription-based with hybrid OA.

Publication Model and Fees

The journal operates a hybrid model, offering subscription access with optional open access. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for gold OA are $3,230 USD, waivable for corresponding authors from low-income countries via Research4Life. Subscription rates vary by institution, with online access included. No page charges apply for standard submissions, making it accessible for funded research. Authors retain copyright under a standard license, with Creative Commons options for OA articles.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Manuscripts are submitted via the online portal at the journal's official homepage. Guidelines require original research, systematic reviews, or policy analyses, formatted in AMA style. Word limits are 3,500 for original articles, with abstracts under 250 words. Ethical standards follow ICMJE recommendations, including conflict of interest disclosures. Revisions are encouraged, with detailed feedback provided.

• Prepare manuscript using double-spaced text and structured abstract.
• Include data availability statements and funding acknowledgments.
• Peer review is double-anonymized for fairness.

Editorial Board Highlights

Led by Editor-in-Chief Kevin Fiscella, MD, MPH, the board comprises experts from leading institutions like the University of Rochester and Johns Hopkins. Members specialize in areas such as health disparities, quality measurement, and pharmacoepidemiology. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced oversight, with international representation from Europe and Asia. The board's expertise guides the journal toward cutting-edge topics, maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Why Publish in Medical Care?

Publishing in Medical Care positions your work at the forefront of health services research, reaching influential audiences that drive change. Its rigorous review process refines ideas, while global indexing boosts citations—averaging 25 per article. For early-career researchers, it's a stepping stone to tenure, with alumni frequently advancing to editorial roles elsewhere. The journal's focus on translational research aligns with funding priorities from NIH and WHO, enhancing grant competitiveness. Ultimately, contributing to Medical Care means impacting patient care and policy on a national scale.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Medical Care distinguishes itself through its emphasis on U.S.-centric yet globally relevant studies, offering a balanced alternative to more specialized outlets.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed with Medical Care, align your study with current calls, such as health equity or post-pandemic recovery. Strengthen your manuscript with robust methods, like propensity score matching for observational data. Engage with recent issues to cite timely references, and seek pre-submission feedback from colleagues. Highlight policy implications in your cover letter to appeal to editors. Finally, use tools like EndNote for compliance, and prepare for potential revisions by anticipating reviewer concerns on generalizability.

• Check Sherpa/RoMEO for self-archiving policies.
• Utilize Scopus for benchmarking your topic's novelty.