Health care illiteracy becoming costly problem

Andrea Croley is co-owner of Croley Insurance & Financial Services.

A low level of functional health literacy has been detected among insured individuals, but it includes more than just a patient's ability to read medical instructions and other information.

In order to avoid error or miscommunication, the patient should be able to understand the terminology used in his/her policy, remember relevant details, and follow his/her health care provider's advice. Without adequate health literacy, patients may misunderstand the conditions and/or treatments prescribed to them, which can lead to the inappropriate use of services and result in negative outcomes.

Research performed by the National Adult Literacy Survey indicates that 90 million Americans half of all adults may struggle with low health literacy. These studies also show that these individuals incur medical costs up to four times greater than those of patients with average health literacy proficiencies.

The expenses connected with health care illiteracy were calculated to be more than $73 billion, according to a study done by the National Academy on an Aging Society in 1998. Among the problems associated with low health literacy is the growing number of senior citizens who have difficulties with vision, hearing and cognitive capabilities. There are also numerous individuals who have problems with reading, possess learning disabilities, or do not speak fluent English.

There are many advocates for increasing health literacy for everyone, such as the American Medical Association, Institute for Healthcare Advancement, Pfizer Pharmaceutical, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Without the basic or simplified health care education, it is more difficult for insured individuals to completely benefit from the health care services they receive. It is equally important that agents and consultants also assist in educating the work force. A higher level of health literacy will produce positive results and can also help to reduce unnecessary costs that come from the overuse of services because of a misunderstanding between the patient and his/her physician or health care provider.