We prioritise reactive treatment over preventive measures, leading to a future filled with specialised cancer centres and skyrocketing healthcare costs. This article explores how a shift towards preventive care, currently hindered by insurance companies’ economic strategies, can revolutionise healthcare.

The Flawed Economics of Preventive Care

Insurance policies often fail to cover crucial preventive screenings and procedures. This short-sighted approach prioritises short-term cost savings over long-term health benefits. Let’s explore some concerning examples:

• Esophageal Cancer: GERD, a major risk factor, is managed with medication instead of preventive endoscopies that could prevent cancer altogether.
• Colorectal Cancer: Despite the effectiveness of colonoscopies in reducing cancer incidence and mortality, these screenings are underutilised due to lack of coverage.
• Breast Cancer: Early detection through mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies is crucial. However, insurance policies often create hurdles in the diagnostic process.
• Cervical Cancer: HPV testing and colposcopy can drastically reduce cervical cancer rates, yet coverage is inconsistent.
• Prostate Cancer: PSA blood tests can improve long-term outcomes, but coverage limitations hinder their utilisation.
• Obesity: Recognised as a medical condition with severe health consequences, obesity treatment options like weight-loss surgeries and medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic face significant insurance barriers.

The Reluctance of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often reluctant to cover preventive measures due to:

• High Initial Costs: Preventive medications might seem expensive upfront.
• Long-Term Profitability Concerns: Insurers might prioritise immediate profitability over long-term cost savings from preventing future illnesses.

This “not our problem” attitude pushes the financial burden onto patients and ultimately strains the government-funded healthcare system.

The Moral Imperative for Change

Our current system overlooks preventive measures that could alleviate suffering and save lives. This short-term thinking reflects a national failure to prioritise citizen well-being.

As Warren Buffet suggests, investing in preventive care is like planting trees for future generations. It’s time we prioritise long-term health benefits and embrace preventive care as the cornerstone of a sustainable healthcare system.

The Road Ahead

A future where healthcare focuses on prevention requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Policy Changes: Revamping insurance policies to cover preventive measures is crucial.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of preventive care can empower individuals to take charge of their health.
• Shifting Priorities: Healthcare institutions and policymakers need to prioritise preventive care to create a culture of well-being.

Source

KevinMD