Tag

Access To Care

All articles tagged with #access to care

global-health4 days ago•2 min saved

Global cancer gap widens as treatment access lags in poorer nations

WHO warns that despite medical progress, cancer outcomes remain unequally distributed: about 20.6 million new cases and 10 million deaths annually, with survival far higher in high-income countries than in poorer ones; many low- and middle-income countries lack access to essential drugs and radiotherapy, and up to 90% of patients abandon treatment due to cost. Projections put cases near 35 million by 2050. Yet progress exists in cervical cancer elimination efforts and reduced tobacco use, underscoring the need for sustained investment in prevention, diagnosis and care to close the gap.

via The Guardian|

#access-to-care #cancer #global-health

health-and-medicine9 days ago•8 min saved

Pre-Waitlist Barriers Block Half of Kidney Transplant Candidates

A nationwide NYU Langone Health study found that 48% of people referred for kidney transplantation never start the required evaluation, and only 19% reach the waitlist. Factors such as being unmarried, obesity, living in rural areas, older age, language barriers (Spanish speakers), and lower income, along with the transplant center and region, significantly influence progression, highlighting large barriers before waitlisting.

via ScienceDaily|

#access-to-care #disparities #health-and-medicine

health12 days ago•25 min saved

29-year-old colon cancer case highlights gaps in care and disparities

Janaylon Wright was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer at 29 after months of misdiagnoses and ER visits; she underwent surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy and is now cancer-free at 33. Her experience underscores gaps in care related to age, gender, and race, echoed by the 2026 Cancer Disparities Progress Report which shows persistent inequities in cancer outcomes despite overall gains. Experts urge Congress to stabilize research funding, expand screenings and Medicaid, reduce barriers to genetic testing, and diversify clinical-trial participation to close these gaps.

via WHYY|

#access-to-care #cancer-disparities #colorectal-cancer

health1 month ago•13 min saved

Old Age, New Hope: Therapy Proves It's Never Too Late

A BBC Health feature argues therapy isn’t just for the young, highlighting 70-year-old Maurizio and 73-year-old Antonio (with 68-year-old Gigliola) who describe clearer thinking, lighter mood and better relationships after psychotherapy. The piece cites evidence that psychotherapy works across all adult ages and may be especially beneficial for older adults facing isolation and chronic illness, with group-based therapies showing strong gains. Yet access remains limited by cost and referrals, and ageism; only about 4% of US adults 65+ receive psychological therapy, while completion rates among older adults can be high (up to 54%).

via BBC|

#access-to-care #aging #health

health2 months ago•182 min saved

HHS aims to curb overprescribing of psychiatric meds and boost non-drug care

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced a multi-agency plan to reduce overprescribing of psychiatric medications, promote deprescribing when appropriate, and expand nonpharmacologic treatments with emphasis on informed consent and shared decision‑making. The effort includes evaluating prescription patterns, funding research and training, and improving access to care, though experts warn against oversimplifying mental health and note ongoing gaps in care.

via CNN|

#access-to-care #deprescribing #health

health9 months ago•7 min saved

U.S. State Mental Health Rankings and Statistics

A 2025 report by Mental Health America ranks New York, Hawaii, and New Jersey as the top states for mental health, while Nevada, Arizona, and Alabama rank lowest, highlighting ongoing disparities and the need for increased investment and policy changes to improve mental health services across the US.

via CNN|

#access-to-care #health #mental-health

healthcare10 months ago•5 min saved

Embracing AI Doctors: Opportunities and Challenges in Healthcare

The article argues that AI has the potential to address many of the shortcomings of human doctors, such as diagnostic errors, outdated knowledge, and access issues, by providing consistent, rapid, and accurate medical insights, ultimately transforming healthcare delivery despite current challenges like digital divides and biases.

via The Guardian|

#access-to-care #ai-doctors #diagnostic-errors

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Florida Abortion Providers Brace for 6-Week Ban, Google to Delete 'Incognito' Data, and the Pivotal Role of Abortion in November Elections"

Abortion providers in Florida are bracing for a public health crisis as the state's six-week abortion ban draws closer, with concerns about patients resorting to unsafe methods. Providers are preparing to help patients travel out of state for care, but the impending restrictions will severely limit access. Planned Parenthood is already connecting Florida patients to out-of-state care, and providers are working to see as many patients as possible before the ban takes effect. A proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to an abortion in Florida before fetal viability will hit the ballots in November, but experts say abortion rights in Florida may still face challenges even if the amendment passes.

via CNN|

#abortion #access-to-care #florida

healthcare2 years ago•7 min saved

"Experts: Overwhelming Complexity of Health Care for Older Adults a Growing Hurdle"

A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston reveals that coordinating medical care for older adults is overwhelmingly complex, with an average of 20.7 total contact days spent on medical care per year. Experts emphasize the stress and strain on seniors and their caregivers, as well as the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, including multiple appointments, insurance barriers, and treatment costs. The rise of digital technologies further complicates access to care, leading to potential neglect of medical needs. Tips for reducing the burden include discussing health priorities with doctors, seeking assistance from social workers or patient navigators, and asking questions to ensure understanding of treatment plans.

via Fox News|

#access-to-care #elderly-care #healthcare

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Alabama's IVF Protections and the State of the Union: A New Era for Fertility Services"

Elizabeth Carr, the first person born through IVF in the U.S., will attend the State of the Union as a guest of Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine to advocate for IVF access. The recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are considered "children" under state law has caused clinics to pause aspects of their IVF programs, sparking concerns about access to fertility treatments. While a new law in Alabama allows clinics to resume IVF treatments without fear of liability, it does not address the underlying issue of the status of embryos in the IVF process. Carr emphasizes the importance of protecting IVF access for a wide range of individuals beyond those struggling with infertility.

via Yahoo! Voices|

#access-to-care #alabama #fertility-treatment

healthcare2 years ago•4 min saved

"Unveiling the Future of Obesity Medicine: Key Insights and Developments"

The future of obesity medicine holds significant changes, including a shift towards prioritizing dietary quality, a focus on fat loss instead of weight loss in antiobesity medications, efforts to increase energy expenditure, the development of less frequent administration options, and the need to address barriers to access such as medication costs and lack of obesity medicine providers. Policymakers are also aiming to reform the sick-care system to improve access to obesity treatments.

via Medscape|

#access-to-care #antiobesity-medications #energy-expenditure

healthcare2 years ago•3 min saved

"Disparities in Telehealth Access for Mental Health Treatment Across US States"

A study by the think tank Rand Corporation revealed that Americans are facing varying wait times for virtual mental healthcare, with some waiting up to two and a half months for appointments. Access to care varies widely by state, with Southern states generally having shorter wait times than those on the coasts. The study attributed longer wait times to shortages of mental health providers, telehealth policies, and access to high-speed internet. The US is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Telehealth has become more prevalent, especially in rural areas, offering a more accessible avenue for timely communication with healthcare providers.

via Daily Mail|

#access-to-care #healthcare #mental-health

health2 years ago•6 min saved

Abortion Delays and Risks Surge as Access Decreases in the US

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, accessing abortion in the United States has become increasingly difficult, with longer wait times and limited availability of clinics. About half of U.S. states now have laws that ban or restrict access to abortion, leading to increased demand for appointments at the remaining providers. Delays in obtaining abortions can result in more complex and riskier procedures, especially as pregnancies progress. Traveling out of state for care has become necessary for many, causing further delays and financial burdens. While clinics have taken steps to reduce wait times, individual challenges such as childcare, travel, and financial concerns remain difficult to overcome. The average driving distance to the nearest clinic has also increased in some states. The ongoing barriers to accessing abortion highlight the need for continued advocacy for reproductive rights and improved access to care.

via The Associated Press|

#abortion #access-to-care #health

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Revolutionary Pain Treatments Eliminate Opioid Dependency

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, but the current standard of care, which often relies on opioids and invasive surgeries, is insufficient. However, medical science has developed innovative medical devices that provide targeted therapy for certain types of chronic pain. These devices, such as spinal cord stimulators and interspinous spacer devices, offer minimally invasive alternatives with fewer complications and reduced reliance on opioids. Despite their effectiveness, many private insurers do not cover these treatments, limiting patient access. Policymakers and insurers need to ensure that qualifying patients have access to these innovative interventional therapies to alleviate suffering and reduce the economic burden of chronic pain.

via Boston Herald|

#access-to-care #chronic-pain #health

healthcare2 years ago•6 min saved

Rural Alabama Hospital Ceases Baby Deliveries Amidst Emotional Farewell

Monroe County Hospital in rural Alabama has closed its labor and delivery department, leaving the community without a birthing hospital and forcing pregnant women to travel long distances for care. This closure is part of a growing trend in Alabama, where many counties lack hospitals with obstetrics care. The hospital cited a physician shortage as the reason for the closure, but the decision comes at a time when the state is already facing a maternal and infant health crisis. The closure highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing essential healthcare services.

via NBC News|

#access-to-care #alabama #healthcare