Dive Brief:
- A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles' David Geffen School of Medicine found that low-income patients with diabetes are as much as 10 times more likely to have a foot, toe or leg amputated than are diabetics in higher-income areas.
- The study authors went on to say that most of these amputations would have been preventable had the patients received proper treatment, including early detection, proper disease management and wound care.
- Aside from income, the authors reported that race played a crucial role in amputations. Diabetics who needed amputation were most likely black or non-English speaking men aged 65 and older. Nearly 13% of amputees were black even though fewer than 6% of diabetics in the state are black. Asians accounted for 5% of amputations, but a much larger 12% of total diabetics.
Dive Insight:
Income levels and race have long been suspected to have an impact on individuals' health and healthcare access. This study adds to the growing body of literature in this area. As Medicaid expands in many states across the country, it will be accountable for an increasing number of low-income individuals with chronic illnesses and lack of care. It is going to be imperative to understand the risk of this population and how providers can get preventive care to this population to decrease progression and costs "upstream."
Want to read more? You may enjoy this story about the window of opportunity for the expansion of Medicaid.