Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Economy, Health Care and The New Year

The economy is bad and people are feeling the pinch. A study by Kaiser Family Foundation has concerning news about the effect this is having on health care. According to their data, 35% of people relied on a home remedy or over-the-counter medication instead of going to the doctor in the last 12 months. Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that one out of five, that's 20%, who went to the doctor and were given a prescription didn't get the medicine filled. Fifteen percent more skipped doses or cut pills in half. Many of the doctors I work with and have an opportunity to speak with have noticed that without the care they need and the medicines to help control various conditions, people are coming to the office with far more severe problems than if they came earlier. An important point to realize here is that health care is dependent on compliance; taking medications, understanding what they're for, and using them effectively.

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