How Preventive Care Can Reduce Emergency Room Visits and Insurance Premiums

Why do so many of us wait until we are sick to see a doctor, when prevention could change our lives and lower our costs? 

In this episode, Dr. Patton explores:

1. The reasons we miss the mark on preventative care

2. The real impact of skipping screenings and checkups

3. What stands in the way, and how we can help fix it

Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. Preventative care, such as vaccinations, screenings, and regular checkups, is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. Addressing health issues early or preventing them altogether is far more effective and less expensive than treating advanced diseases. 

2. Failing to prioritize preventative care leads to higher healthcare expenditures, the financial and emotional burden on families, and overcrowded emergency rooms. Treating chronic and late-stage illnesses is far more costly than preventive measures.

3. Multiple barriers, including inadequate reimbursement incentives for doctors, healthcare access issues in rural or underserved communities, cultural mindsets favoring reactive care, and logistical challenges (like transportation and food deserts), make it difficult for many people to prioritize prevention.

4. Shifting to a culture of health prevention requires early and ongoing education, embracing workplace wellness programs, using technology (like wearables), and policy changes to improve access and reimbursement for preventative care.

5. Individuals can contribute by scheduling regular health checkups, following screening guidelines, and engaging in community health programs. Communities, employers, and policymakers need to promote and support preventative care through incentives, improved access, and education.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Preventative Care's Impact on Costs

03:56 Preventive Care Savings vs. Costs

08:25 Preventive Care to Cut ER Costs

12:41 Shift to Preventative Healthcare Mindset

16:05 Promoting Workplace Wellness Initiatives

18:53 Promoting Preventative Healthcare Practices

22:11 Improving Preventative Care Access

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