Affordability and Accessibility: The Alarming Trend in Healthcare
At Transmed, we know how important affordable, accessible healthcare is, and we endeavor to help that become a reality for patients. We strive to help patients receive the excellent care they need, while also helping them save money.
Everyone needs access to affordable healthcare, and our team does what they can to make that happen for patients. We know that’s a priority for other care providers, but there’s an alternative reality for many patients.
There is a growing trend in the United States, though, that is alarming. More and more people are not receiving care they need because they can’t afford it.
While some of these people do not have health insurance, the majority of people do, and yet, they still can’t afford the care they need.
According to a study done by Becker’s Hospital Review, 64% of Americans avoid or delay treatment due to the cost of their medical care.[1] The survey was conducted amongst 1,000 Americans, and its findings shows the unfortunate trend that fewer Americans are able to afford the care they need.
While that finding is alarming, it’s important to consider what is causing this troubling situation.
There are two apparent sources to this problem: first, too many Americans don’t have enough money set aside for emergency situations, such as healthcare procedures; and secondly, the cost of healthcare has risen, making it less affordable and accessible for people.
There may be other or more specific reasons behind the problem, but these two are the most apparent, and the large majority of people can identify with them.
First, let’s take a look at the personal finance problem. According to the same study done by Becker’s Health Review, a majority of respondents (61%) said they don’t have any money saved for their healthcare expenses.[2]
Many other blogs could be written on that statistic alone, as that is a distressing statistic revealing the worrisome financial condition of many Americans. However, focusing on the topic at hand, it should be no surprise that many people avoid or delay treatment.
Many people can’t afford the treatment they need, even if they have health insurance.
52% of respondents reported a deductible exceeding $1,000, and nearly 70% said affording their deductible was at least somewhat difficult, while 22% said affording their deductible was very difficult or impossible.[3]
Being unable to afford treatment is certainly a problem amongst Americans, and there are some things care providers can do to help patients.
Making patients knowledgeable about more cost-effective care alternatives should be a priority for healthcare providers. Being mindful of the high cost of care and being empathetic of patients’ financial situations is also important.
Care providers can help patients make better, more cost-conscious decisions by making them aware of alternatives. If a patient requires an ultrasound for diagnostic or preventative care, referring them to a more cost-effective provider like Transmed can help patients save money while still receiving the care they need.
At Transmed, we strive to give our patients affordable and accessible care. Rather than having your ultrasound services done at a hospital where they’ll cost more, consider having them done at Transmed.
If you’re a healthcare provider and your patients need an ultrasound exam, recommend them to Transmed.
Our team of friendly, experienced sonographers are the finest in the business and provide patients and their physicians with high quality ultrasound exams in a timely, cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY
Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential, but many Americans are finding it difficult to pay for necessary treatment. Studies have found that many Americans delay treatment due to cost. Similar studies have found that a majority of Americans have not set money aside for healthcare costs. While personal finances have played a role in making care unaffordable for some, the significant rise in healthcare costs has also made it inaccessible. The lack of affordability and inaccessibility of healthcare is turning many people away from receiving treatment, and as this trend grows in the United States, the healthcare industry will have to look at itself and determine what it can do to make itself more affordable and accessible for patients, and patients might have to consider what their options are for affordable care.
[1]Gooch, Kelly. “64% of Americans Avoid or Delay Treatment Due to Cost of Medical Care: 5 Survey Insights.” Becker’s Hospital Review. February 15, 2018. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/64-of-americans-avoid-treatment-due-to-cost-of-medical-care-5-survey-insights.html.
[2]Gooch, Kelly. “64% of Americans Avoid or Delay Treatment Due to Cost of Medical Care: 5 Survey Insights.” Becker’s Hospital Review. February 15, 2018. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/64-of-americans-avoid-treatment-due-to-cost-of-medical-care-5-survey-insights.html.
[3]Gooch, Kelly. “64% of Americans Avoid or Delay Treatment Due to Cost of Medical Care: 5 Survey Insights.” Becker’s Hospital Review. February 15, 2018. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/64-of-americans-avoid-treatment-due-to-cost-of-medical-care-5-survey-insights.html.
[4]Gooch, Kelly. “64% of Americans Avoid or Delay Treatment Due to Cost of Medical Care: 5 Survey Insights.” Becker’s Hospital Review. February 15, 2018. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/64-of-americans-avoid-treatment-due-to-cost-of-medical-care-5-survey-insights.html.
[5]Gooch, Kelly. “64% of Americans Avoid or Delay Treatment Due to Cost of Medical Care: 5 Survey Insights.” Becker’s Hospital Review. February 15, 2018. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/64-of-americans-avoid-treatment-due-to-cost-of-medical-care-5-survey-insights.html.
[6]Rosenthal, E. (2019). How the High Cost of Medical Care Is Affecting Americans. [online] Nytimes.com. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/18/health/cost-of-health-care-poll.html.
[7]Rosenthal, E. (2019). How the High Cost of Medical Care Is Affecting Americans. [online] Nytimes.com. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/18/health/cost-of-health-care-poll.html.
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