Susanne Gilliam, a 67-year-old woman from Sudbury, Mass., recently experienced the frustrating complexities of America’s Health-care system after slipping on black ice and injuring her knee and ankle while fetching the mail in January. After seeking medical help, she encountered a series of challenges that many older adults face when navigating the disjointed world of specialty medicine.
Gilliam’s orthopedic surgeon, who had previously treated her knee issues, referred her to an ankle specialist for her new injury. However, getting the necessary tests and appointments proved to be a time-consuming ordeal. From scheduling physical therapy sessions to chasing down orders for X-rays and MRIs, Gilliam found herself overwhelmed by the burden of coordinating her own care.
The U.S. health-care system’s complexity, exacerbated by the abundance of medical guidelines, financial incentives, and the specialization of clinicians, can be particularly challenging for older adults with multiple medical conditions. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School revealed that Medicare patients spend a significant portion of their lives seeking medical care, often juggling appointments with various specialists for different health issues.
Victor Montori, a professor at the Mayo Clinic, has highlighted the concept of “treatment burden” that patients experience when managing their health care. This burden extends beyond medical visits to include tasks such as arranging appointments, communicating with insurance companies, and adhering to complex treatment plans.
To ease the burden of navigating the health-care system, experts suggest open communication with healthcare providers about the feasibility of treatment plans and the importance of interventions. Patients should also inquire about streamlining appointments, utilizing resources like social workers or patient navigators, and seeking written materials to aid in self-management.
As older adults and caregivers continue to grapple with the challenges of modern healthcare, advocating for clearer communication, streamlined care pathways, and a better understanding of treatment implications can help alleviate the burden of managing multiple health conditions in a complex system. By being proactive and informed, individuals can work towards a more manageable and efficient health-care experience.
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