This (shocking) statistic was recently released by the US CDC.
How does this level of under-treatment compare to untreated diabetes or hypertension, 2 other prevalent chronic conditions in America?
- A study published in 2011 found that 2.4% of American diabetics were untreated.
- A study published in Hypertension in 1995 reported that about 30% of American adults who had high blood pressure, were untreated.
So, chronic disease festers in the adult population and even amongst those who are aware of their condition, adherence to treatment remains low. For example, a Canadian insurer knows that 55% of diabetics take their medication and 63% of those with high blood pressure are adherent to treatment.
What does this all mean? Large unmet needs, limited access to care, and poor patient engagement. This is the genesis of healthcare reforms.
By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – http://partnersinprevention.ca/1-in-4-american-adults-have-untreated-cavities/
