When it comes to health care, American women are unhappy; so says a poll conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

The poll revealed that nearly 60 percent of women surveyed face challenges in obtaining health care for themselves or their family members. From redundant paperwork to unnecessarily repeated lab tests due to lack of communication among their providers, women are frustrated with a fragmented and confusing health care system.

When asked about certain aspects of the health care system and what's important to them,

• 68 percent of those surveyed said same-day appointments with their primary care physician for unexpected illnesses are very important,
• 63 percent said they want a personal physician who knows their family's medical history and who can manage chronic diseases,
• 62 percent said it's important to have one doctor who coordinates care with other doctors when needed, and
• 60 percent indicated it is important to have technology that enables doctors to send medical records and patient histories to other doctors electronically.

"These are all elements of the patient-centered medical home concept," said Jim King, M.D., president of the AAFP. "This concept is taking hold across the country. Family physicians are at the forefront in developing this model of personalized, top-quality health care that every patient deserves."

A patient-centered medical home is a model of health care in which patients have an ongoing relationship with a family physician who helps the patient navigate the health care system by coordinating and facilitating services with other qualified medical professionals. As such, the medical home becomes the "home base" for preventive and chronic care and the first stop for sick care.

"A patient-centered medical home meets patients' needs for convenience and ensures the kind of comprehensive, quality care they deserve," King said. "Family physicians are moving forward with a vision, a purpose and a plan to make a patient-centered medical home a reality for everyone in the United States."

What's important to you? Take our web poll

What has been your experience with the health care system? Are you satisfied with your care? Tell us about it

Watch this video about What Women Want.