The Burden of Traveling for Neurological Care: Study Reveals Challenges Faced by Medicare Patients
The Need for Better Neurological Care for Medicare Patients
A recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), has shed light on the challenges faced by Medicare patients in accessing appropriate neurological care. The study found that almost one in five people on Medicare have to travel 50 or more miles one way to see a neurologist. This is particularly true for patients requiring specialized care for neurologic diseases such as brain cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.
The Importance of Neurologists
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the brain and central nervous system. As our brains and nervous system are part of the normal aging process, neurological issues become more prevalent as we grow older. In fact, aging is the main risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The prevalence of neurological issues among people aged 65 and older highlights the need for improved neurological options for Medicare patients.
The Study’s Findings
The study included over 563,000 Medicare participants with an average age of 70. The findings revealed that more than 96,000 individuals, or 17%, had to travel long distances of 50 or more miles each way to visit a neurologist. On average, these patients traveled 81 miles each way, taking approximately 90 minutes. The study also indicated that patients who had to travel long distances were 26% less likely to return for a follow-up visit compared to those who did not have to travel long distances.
The Importance of Access to Neurological Care
Dr. Brian C. Callaghan, the study’s author and chair of the American Academy of Neurology’s Health Services Research Subcommittee, emphasized the need for improved access to neurological care. He stated, ‘Our results suggest that policymakers should investigate feasible and affordable ways to improve necessary access to neurologic care, especially in areas with low availability of neurologists and in rural communities.’ The study also highlighted the potential benefits of telemedicine in improving access to care for Medicare patients, particularly in areas with limited neurologist availability.
The Role of Telemedicine
As the study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not assess the impact of telemedicine on travel times. However, the pandemic has necessitated an increase in the use of telemedicine services, including for neurological care. Telemedicine allows certain aspects of the neurological examination to be conducted remotely, offering a viable alternative to in-person visits. The survey conducted by the American Medical Association found that neurologists saw 36% of their patients via telehealth per week. However, most telemedicine visits were with established patients, suggesting that many still prefer in-person visits for their initial consultation.
The Impact of the Neurologist Shortage
The national shortage of neurologists exacerbates the travel burdens faced by Medicare patients and affects the overall standard of care. The demand for neurologists is increasing due to medical advances in treating neurological disorders and the growing population of Americans over the age of 65. Estimates indicate that cases of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and strokes will continue to rise significantly in the coming years. However, there is currently a shortage of neurologists, which is expected to worsen in the future. This shortage results in longer wait times for patients seeking neurological care.
The Need for Fair Reimbursement
One reason for the shortage of neurologists, as noted by the American Academy of Neurology, is the undervaluation of in-person neurologist visits by the Medicare system. The lack of fair and stable reimbursement discourages medical students and residents from pursuing careers in neurology, leading them to opt for more financially rewarding specialties. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring an adequate supply of neurologists and improving access to neurological care for Medicare patients.
