As WebMD’s Medical Director, John Whyte, MD, is in a unique position to see both the current state of health care for America’s older adults and where things are going in the future. We asked him to share his views on a few topics, along with some tips.
DM website: What are some of the biggest health care access issues facing older adults today?
JW: Cost, transportation, and quality of care remain some of the biggest issues when it comes to senior health care. Medicare does not cover 100% of the costs and many patients have difficulty paying their prescriptions and medical bills. As a result, they sometimes don’t go to the doctor often enough and are often unable to refill their prescriptions. The lack of adequate transportation has made it difficult for many older adults to receive care, they simply cannot make it to their appointments. As older adults develop more health problems and their time with the doctor becomes shorter and shorter, it can be difficult to address all of their health care needs. As a result, it can be difficult to keep conditions like diabetes and blood pressure under control.
DM website: How will technology change the way older adults access healthcare in the next decade?
JW: Everyone, including older adults, needs to be more tech-savvy when interacting with the healthcare system. Digital tools like sensors and trackers are becoming more useful in managing those conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, that short office visits don’t always give us time to address. Virtual reality tools will also become more widespread. Since many people did not grow up with these kinds of technologies, it could make access to healthcare more difficult for some groups. We need to make sure that everyone, especially older adults, has access to innovations that will improve their experience with the health care system and lead to better outcomes.
DM website: How will COVID-19 change the nature of the doctor-patient interaction?
JW: In the short term, COVID-19 has had a monumental impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Suddenly, almost all visits became virtual visits. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, both the doctor and the patient were not adequately prepared for this abrupt change. Many people were left out entirely or received less than optimal care. But the news is not all bad. For others, it was a way to get closer to the doctor, instead of having to go to the doctor. Technology can help us solve some of the transportation problems that I referred to earlier. As we move into “the new normal,” I think most doctor visits will be in person, but telehealth will play a much bigger role. I also believe that we will see more services delivered directly to the home.
DM website: What is the #1 piece of advice you would give a patient or caregiver on how to successfully interact with the healthcare system?
JW: Whether you’re advocating for yourself or caring for someone else, successful interaction with the health care system requires persistence. We all know the phrase, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Sometimes you have to be a squeaky wheel. The health care system can be very difficult to navigate. There are many regulations that can affect your access to care and they can be confusing. Sometimes your technique doesn’t work the first time. So you have to be consistent when accessing certain services and you have to talk. There’s also an interesting dynamic with older adults when it comes to healthcare: They often say they don’t want to bother their doctor or want to be a “good patient.” We have to help them understand that being a good patient or advocate for someone else means getting what you need to make sure you get quality care.
DM website: If you were talking to a loved one over the age of 70, what is the #1 health care tip you would give them regarding taking care of yourself?
JW: It’s never too late to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. If you’re not physically active, start slowly, even if it means simply not sitting as much throughout the day. Being active does not mean having to go to the gym. There are many things you can do at home. Take a look at what you are eating and start treating food like medicine. It can be just as powerful as a prescription drug, and in some cases, it can help you get rid of some medications you’re taking. Lastly, listen to your body. When you don’t feel well, see your doctor.
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