FOSTER CITY, Calif.,
April 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A
recent Insure.com survey explores whether people delayed
health care during the COVID-19 pandemic and what type of health
care services they avoided.
Nearly 40% of respondents reported they postponed certain health
services, including:
- 21% of respondents delayed dental visits
- 18% delayed primary care
- 14% delayed eye doctor
- 12% delayed specialist
- 10% delayed physical therapy
- 8% delayed mental health
Find the complete survey results and analysis: Survey: Almost
40% delayed health care during COVID-19.
While concerns about contracting COVID-19 drive delays in doctor
visits, deferred care has serious consequences. Industry experts
including Gail Trauco, a patients'
rights advocate, caution that delaying health services can:
- Increase appointment backlogs. As people
begin to resume their medical care, they may find their wait
becomes even longer as health care providers experience appointment
backlogs. Providers may face challenges catching up with the demand
from this surge.
- Exacerbate medical problems. Delaying health
care can result in undiagnosed and untreated conditions, including
early stage cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and
diabetes. This can lead to emergency hospitalizations and permanent
damage to the body.
- Raise health care costs. Since doctor visit
delays can lead to serious health problems, people may find that
their health insurance costs increase. Also, more people
seeking care can contribute to insurance companies raising
prices.
The survey also finds that 35% expect to use more health
services over the next year including, by age group:
- 39% of those age 65-plus
- 33% of those age 18-24
- 32% of those age 55-64
- 32% of those age 45-54
- 32% of those age 35-44
- 30% of those age 25-34
"It is concerning that nearly 40% of seniors anticipate needing
more health services in the year ahead," notes Les Masterson, managing editor for Insure.
"Given that people over age 65 may have complex medical histories
and multiple complaints, providers may need to plan for longer
appointment times to carefully assess those who have missed
check-ups."
Virtual care may remain an important component of health care
delivery. "With significant percentages of patients indicating a
need for more health services this year, virtual appointments could
be a way for providers to efficiently assess health complaints and
conditions," suggests Masterson.
Masterson is available to comment on the results of this
1,673-person study and can answer questions about how consumers can
find affordable health insurance that meets their needs.
About Insure.com
Insure is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc.
(Nasdaq: QNST), a leader in providing performance marketplace
technologies and services to the financial services and home
services industries. QuinStreet is a pioneer in delivering online
marketplace solutions to match searchers with brands in digital
media. The company is committed to providing consumers with the
information and tools they need to research, find and select the
products and brands that meet their needs. Insure is a member of
QuinStreet's expert research and publishing division.
For 35 years, Insure has served as a comprehensive consumer
resource for insurance information, offering expert advice,
articles, news, and tools about car, home, health, and life
insurance. Consumers have access to free car insurance quotes and
guidance on finding the right insurance policy, saving money and
solving claims problems.
Twitter: @InsureCom
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Media Contact
Jacqueline
Leppla
Senior Director of Public Relations
QuinStreet, Inc
Direct +1 775 321 3608
Email: jleppla@quinstreet.com
LinkedIn
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SOURCE Insure.com