Good Medical Care for the Elderly and How to Get It

Cancer | The challenges of getting good care

The challenges patients face in ensuring the best possible treatment for cancer is the topic of an extraordinary article in the July 30, 2007 issue of the New York Times.

The Times explores the complicated decisions patients must make regarding their treatment and care. According to the Times, cancer patients are often "lost in a maze of uneven care." a case history of a young mother diagnosed with colon cancer shows that even for the most educated patients, it is difficult to find the right doctors and to ensure proper care and treatment.

An estimated 15% to 25% of female breast cancer patients do not receive radiation that would increase their survivorship. 20% to 30% don't take anti-estrogen drugs. Lack of prescription drug coverage, fear of side effects, or lack of necessary information leads to inadequate care. Insurance coverage greatly affects access to screening for colon cancer because the cost of a colonoscopy is so high, thus only half the patients who need this critical procedure get it.

Inadequate care is often received by patients residing in rural areas or small cities, and also by the poor since they are often seen by physicians who don't treat enough patients to justify continuing medical education that would keep their skills abreast of new developments. Another barrier to good medical care is the inability or failure of many patients to seek a second opinion. Lack of education and skills to advocate for themselves means that many patients are unable to find the kind of specialized care they need.

The American College of Surgeons and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network have developed and issued treatment guidelines for various cancers, which may help some patients advocate for better care and treatment.

Cancer Patients, Lost in a Maze of Uneven Care by Denise Grady is a must read article.

Additional resources are included. See also Doing Battle with the Insurance Company in a Fight to Stay Alive and Push Hard for the Answers You Require. Numerous valuable resources for cancer patients are included in these articles.

See also National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines (Free)

Technorati tags: cancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, cancer clinical trials

Saving money on prescription medications

Recently, I’ve been exploring Medicare and prescription drug issues. I’ve posted on my blog an article about prescription assistance programs run by drug companies. If you or your loved one are unable to get help from these programs, here’s another way to save money on prescription medications.

Walmart began a program to sell certain generic prescription drugs at the highly discounted price of $4 for a 30-day supply in early October 2006. By the end of 2006, Walmart had expanded this program to all states but one. This includes stores in the Walmart chain (Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market and Sam’s Club).

Target soon jumped on the bandwagon and began its own $4 generic medication program. It’s easy to see why. Even if a person can’t fill all of his or her prescriptions in this low-cost program, once someone changes pharmacies, it makes sense that they will continue to fill and re-fill prescriptions all in one place.