Healthcare Watch: New Study Shows People Likely to Delay Medical Treatments
Delayed Treatment is a common problem for Americans, even those with health insurance. But vulnerable populations; youngest, oldest, sickest and poorest are more likely to delay.
ABC News, June 27th 2008
New data tracking the health care habits of Americans highlighted gaping holes in the country’s health care system — and who is falling through them. And it appears that those who are most vulnerable — the youngest, oldest, sickest and poorest — are the ones getting medically shortchanged.
The number of people who delay or do not get medical care, including those with insurance plans, increased to 59 million people in 2007, up from 36 million people in 2003, according to the report from the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, D.C.
“It’s more than a wake-up call. This is an alarm clock in terms of the system not working well, and not caring for the vulnerable,” said Dr. Rick Kellerman, chairman of the American Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors.
The cost and logistical problems involved in visiting the doctor are the main deterrents for people who need to see a physician. Click here to read more at ABC News.