U.S. Report: Too Few Screened for Chronic Diseases

Malaysia must be worst thus it is up to us to educate the public

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Feb. 2 (iVillage Total Health) -- Far too many Americans are skipping the recommended screening tests and exams designed to catch chronic illnesses early enough to save lives. That's the finding of a newly released report by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Although the quality of the overall healthcare system in the United States is improving, physicians, hospitals and clinics across the country are missing the opportunity to provide important screenings and exams, Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, AHRQ director, said in a press release.

The reports found that:

* Less than half of obese adults (people with a body mass index of 30 and over) in the survey said they were counseled about diet by their physician or other healthcare provider. Obesity affects a number of diseases and conditions and increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease and osteoarthritis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends obese patients receive "intensive counseling and behavioral interventions." In addition, obese black people were far less likely to be told were they overweight by a healthcare provider than white patients.

* Nearly half (49 percent) of people with asthma said they received information about changing their environment to avoid asthma triggers. Only 28 percent reported receiving asthma management plans from their healthcare providers.

*Only 48 percent of adults with diabetes received blood sugar tests, foot examinations and eye exams -- the three screenings recommended to reduce the risk of complications from hyperglycemia. According to the AHRQ, nearly $2.5 billion could be saved annually by eliminating hospital stays associated with complications from diabetes.

* Only 52 percent of adults in the survey said they received colorectal cancer screenings. The task force recommends colonoscopy or other screening tests by age 50 or earlier for people at high risk. The screenings were significantly lower for black people and Asians than white people.

"The message is clear," Clancy said. "Much more can be done to prevent illness from occurring or progressing."

The data is part of two reports issued this month: The 2006 National Healthcare Quality Report and the National Healthcare Disparities Report. The annual reports provide snapshots of the healthcare system and look at effectiveness of care, patient safety, timeliness of care and patient focus in delivery of medical treatment.

Source: Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health