One unexpected side effect of the recession: Access to health care has increased. A studypublished today by the Center for Studying Health Change tracks issues related to accessing health care from 2007 through 2010. It finds that fewer Americans are experiencing unmet health needs or delaying medical care. As the above chart shows, this is true for both those with and without health insurance.
As it becomes more difficult for people to pay for treatment the demand for treatment drops and along with it the cost. This is clearly a double edged sword. The fact that people are not seeking treatment means a larger burden on the healthcare system in the short and long term. Delaying care can lead to an experimental growth health issues. In times of recession, however, healthcare organizations are able to reduce in inefficiencies that are a inevitable result in an over-stressed system. Studies by the Kaiser Family Foundation believes wasteful spending accounts for 30% of medical costs.
One way that health care organizations are cutting down on waste is by using electronic medial records and tracking tools to manage the work flow within in a doctor's office or hospital. This reduces mistakes and oversights on the part of the staff. Patients get healthy faster and fewer mistakes mean less liability for the hospital.
Until Next Time
Mike,
Healthcare software
