Abstract
BackgroundThis study explored insurance-related disparities in primary care quality among Americans with type 2 diabetes.MethodsData came from the household component of the 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Analysis focused on adult subjects with type 2 diabetes. Logistic regressions were performed to investigate the associations between insurance status and primary care attributes related to first contact, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, and coordination, while controlling for confounding factors.ResultsPreliminary findings revealed differences among three insurance groups in the first contact domain of primary care quality. After controlling for confounding factors, these differences were no longer apparent, with all insurance groups reporting similar primary care quality according to the four domains of interest in the study. There were significant differences in socioeconomic status among different insurance groups.ConclusionThis study reveals equitable primary care quality for diabetes patients despite their health insurance status. In addition to insurance-related differences, the other socioeconomic stratification factors are assumed to be the root cause of disparities in care. This research emphasizes the crucial role that primary care plays in the accessibility and quality of care for chronically ill patients. Policy makers should continue their commitment to reduce gaps in insurance coverage and improve access as well as quality of diabetic care.
Highlights
This study explored insurance-related disparities in primary care quality among Americans with type 2 diabetes
The purpose of this study is to explore insurancerelated differences in primary care quality – the cardinal attributes of first contact, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, and coordination [10] - among Americans with type 2 diabetes
The 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) contained a total of 38,974 observations; the current study included respondents aged 18 and over who reported being told by a clinician that they had diabetes
Summary
This study explored insurance-related disparities in primary care quality among Americans with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.5 million people worldwide died due to diabetes in 2012 [1]. In 2000, the prevalence of diabetes was about 171 million worldwide, and the WHO estimates that by 2030, the prevalence will rise to 366 million individuals [2]. In 2012, 9.3 % of the U.S population had diabetes [3]. The estimated diabetes costs in the U.S in 2012 was $245 billion [3]. Diabetes is associated with many health complications if preventive care and proper treatment is not received, including renal disease, non-traumatic lower limb amputations, blindness, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke [5]
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