From the MWLA President: The Cost Crisis in Healthcare

Midwest Chapter of the NLA explores a unique topic in this issue of LipidSpin that impacts all of our clinical decisions: exploring the costs of cardiovascular disease prevention. Every day, clinicians seek to provide the best care for patients, reducing cardiovascular risk, promoting a vital lifestyle. Our training directs us to the best means of assessment and treatments for those under our care. However, there are times when a patient’s financial limitations challenge this optimization of care. Patients must financially manage the options health care professionals recommend. Even the best evaluations and treatments cannot benefit patients if it’s beyond their financial means. Shared decision making incorporates patient priorities, wishes, and finances, and creates an effective clinical plan. But there is little formal education for clinicians for the combined goal of maintaining good care, while finding affordable solutions for patients. Financial constraints rarely enter academic investigations or discussion.

Most patients must make a financial commitment toward their care. The challenges intensify for those with limited financial resources. Often our patients relay the need to choose between paying for their medical bills versus covering housing, repairs and transportation costs. Debt.org claims, “medical bills are a significant factor in [U.S.] bankruptcy filings”. 

High costs of care, limited awareness of the details of provider/payor/patient relationships, and disrupted chains of communication compound this situation. Concerns about disease, complications, and treatments lead patients to make decisions without the knowledge of the financial implications. Every facet of medical care requires consideration of the patient’s financial abilities, including lifestyle options, for nutrition and safe exercise plans, as well as medication compliance.

In this issue of LipidSpin, we explore sectors of cost-effective care for cardiovascular evaluation and treatment. Among them, we discuss cost-effective lab tasting, diet plans, and medications. Inside, you will find important articles on health literacy, supplements, and a personal victory account from Nataliya Pyslar, MD, a physician who treats underserved communities in inner city Chicago, in an attempt to broaden your understanding of the cost crisis (literally and figuratively) and provide bits of wisdom to incorporate into your own practice.When patients cannot afford therapy, poor health consequences are imminent. Hopefully, this issue of LipidSpin will stimulate sharing and discussion of novel ways to obtain affordable, effective care for patients.