As an emergency physician, I frequently encounter patients with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes. These chronic conditions, which should be manageable, often bring patients to the ER because they can't afford their medications. During my shifts, I ask patients if they are taking their prescribed medications. Many respond, "No, I can't afford them." When I inquire if they've discussed this with their primary care physician, they often say they haven't. This lack of communication stems from discomfort discussing financial issues or a lack of trust in their patient-doctor relationship. Consequently, patients leave with prescriptions they can't fill, leading to worsening conditions and repeated ER visits. This cycle not only deteriorates their health but also results in large medical bills for preventable emergencies. It's a troubling reflection of the gaps in our healthcare system that prevent patients from receiving the continuous care they need.
Neill Slater is an emergency physician.
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#healthcare #emergencymedicine #patientcare #chronicillness #medicationcosts #healthdisparities #ERvisits #hypertension #diabetes #medicalbills
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