A health crisis can happen to anyone. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, a diagnosis of an unforeseen illness or a serious injury that threatens your ability to work, the effects are traumatic and far-reaching. It is important to recognize signs of a health crisis, so you can take steps to prevent or minimize its impact.
Rising medical costs, a patient backup crisis and widespread physician dissatisfaction are alarming signs that America’s healthcare system is speeding toward a cliff with no exit ramp in sight. Payers and insurers have tried to control costs by raising deductibles, restricting access with prior authorizations and claim denials, and placing burdensome administrative requirements on physicians. But this strategy has run its course. Many patients now need to borrow money or take on debt just to afford basic care. Doctors are burnt out and many have been leaving the field altogether, creating a shortage that is straining hospitals.
NIH research is helping Americans live longer, but chronic diseases are still common, costly and poorly managed. These diseases often affect large swaths of the population, and some people are more at risk than others. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to longstanding inequities in healthcare access and outcomes, including those based on race, age, disability, and income. We need to work together to address these issues by strengthening surveillance, promoting prevention and wellness, investing in innovation, and collaborating across sectors and borders. Only then can we ensure a healthier, more resilient world.
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