Physician Urges People To Continue Getting Medical Care Despite Economic Downturn

Ann Arbor, MI (AHN) - As the economic crisis leaves more people struggling to pay bill, doctors are urging people not to cut down on medical care in preference to paying for other things such as food, electricity or the rent or mortgage.

Many Americans with or without health insurance, or employed or unemployed, are finding it difficult to pay for medical care. Many have stopped taking medications as prescribed because of the difficulty in finding enough money to pay to have prescriptions filled and visits to doctors are down by 10 to 15 percent because of a lack of money.

But despite budget woes, health care needs to remain as much a priority as paying for food and shelter, some doctors say.

Not obtaining adequate health care can lead to worse problems says A. Mark Fendrick, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and professor of health management and policy at the U-M School of Public Health.

"Cutting back on health care without consulting your clinician is a very risky decision. It may not only have an impact on your health, but also have a worsening economic consequence that will lead to greater costs down the road when minor health concerns become major health issues," Fendrick said.

In a faltering economy where many people have lost their income and or their savings, or both, and have a plethora of liabilities but no assets, staying healthy can be a person's asset.

Fendrick added, "Remember your health is your most important asset, not your money."

He urges people to see their private physician if they can, since that physician knows them and has their records.

For those who can continue to pay to see their physician and have some means to pay for prescribed health care, Fendrick suggests that they:

• Continue to adopt healthy lifestyles because diet and exercise can help stave off many diseases
• Ask your doctor if prescription medications are available in generic forms
• Keep up-to-date with recommended screening tests, such as mammograms, colonoscopies or immunizations

But for those who lack the insurance or money to pay for health care, Fendrick offers tips and resources.

• Also continue to adopt healthy lifestyles because diet and exercise can help stave off many diseases
• Seek help to pay for medical care.