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Partnering with Patients During Tough Economic Times

Javier Rincon, MD, Family Medicine, Gateway Medical Clinic

Posted: April 1, 2009

A slow economy and high unemployment rate mean that more Americans are living without health insurance. Given the difficult economic times, people may be tempted to skip doctor appointments or cut back on their prescription medication, but this can have serious consequences.

Columbia St. Mary’s is concerned about the well-being of its patients – especially during the current economic crisis. There is a strong misconception that patients without health insurance won’t be seen by their doctors. Yet it’s simply untrue. In addition to providing care to all patients who come through its doors, Columbia St. Mary’s is actively trying to increase awareness within the community that people should not postpone their healthcare. Columbia St. Mary’s will also work with patients to help them find health insurance that is appropriate for their situation.

Making quality healthcare affordable
If your current financial situation is threatening to compromise your healthcare needs, there are affordable treatment options available. Rather than stretching your medication or canceling your next doctor appointment, call your healthcare provider to set up an action plan.

Among the specific initiatives that Columbia St. Mary’s has in place to make sure healthcare remains affordable and accessible is a cash-based discount program. If patients don't have insurance, we offer a discount. Additionally, Columbia St. Mary’s was recently recognized as having the lowest overall prices of any health care system in the greater Milwaukee area.

At some of Columbia St. Mary’s community clinics, administrative staff members regularly work with pharmaceutical companies to obtain medications for uninsured patients. Staff members also try diligently to eliminate any unnecessary follow-up doctor appointments for patients.

Regardless of your economic status, it is important to continue your current medical treatment. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting sicker or, even worse, developing a life-threatening condition like a stroke or heart attack. And as a result of these medical complications, you’ll quickly run up a much higher healthcare bill.

Dealing with economic-related stress
Mounting unemployment figures and losses in the stock market aren’t only affecting healthcare coverage. The current economic crisis also is manifesting itself as stress in countless people. It’s important to acknowledge the signs and symptoms of stress early on or you may be at risk for developing serious stress-related conditions like an ulcer, onset diabetes, pancreatitis or other illnesses.

Unfortunately, people often don’t notice increasing stress levels in their own lives. Frequently it is a friend or family member who recognizes the stress buildup. Insomnia, lack of concentration, feeling fatigued, feeling depressed, back pain, frequent headaches or migraines, mood swings or changes in your bowel habits are all signs of stress.

Once you recognize an abundance of stress in your daily life and admit to having a problem, you need to pinpoint the source of your stress so you can manage it.

There are a variety of relaxation techniques to consider depending on your lifestyle and comfort level from taking leisurely walks to adopting a vigorous exercise program to having regular massages.

Because the treatment for stress varies from patient to patient, it’s best to visit your primary care physician. Depending on your stress level, your doctor may suggest medication to manage your condition, or may refer you to a counselor or psychiatrist to address related symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Javier Rincon, MD
Family Medicine
Gateway Medical Clinic
414-326-1745

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