Invited Commentary
Commentary on “Healthcare Access and Disparities in Chronic Medical Conditions in Urban Populations”
Abstract
Health disparities can be defined as differences in rates of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and/or survival in a particular population compared with the health status of the general population.1 A sizeable portion of these disparities resides within the category comprising chronic medical conditions (CMCs). These conditions run the gamut from high-volume primary care diagnoses, such as heart disease and diabetes, through subspecialty pathologies such as cancer and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. CMCs are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and are responsible for the demise of 7 of every 10 people.2 Furthermore, they affect the quality of the lives of as many as 90 million Americans.2 From an economic perspective, CMCs also consume three-fourths of healthcare expenditures.2 Adding the costs for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and smoking-related complications leaves society with a price tag approximating $600 billion.2 It is sobering to observe that health disparities have been recognized as a problem for a considerable time, but for myriad reasons have resisted substantive melioration. What is the next step?This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.