Health articles
How much is spent on personal healthcare in the US?
Between the money spent by private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and people making out-of-pocket payments, America spent a total of $4.5 trillion on personal healthcare in 2024, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Just the Facts about US healthcare and the health of Americans
Americans have faced many health challenges in recent years, from opioid addiction to COVID-19. And accidental deaths are rising. So what does the government spend on health for its citizens?
Does access to healthcare differ by race and ethnicity?
Across several measures of health and access to healthcare, American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic adults often fare worse than other racial or ethnic identities. In 2024, about 14.8% of Americans were in fair or poor health. Zooming in on demographics reveals disparities between racial and ethnic groups. Adults in four groups — American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic — report higher rates of fair or poor health than the national average.
Which states spend the most on healthcare?
Personal healthcare spending varies by state, ranging from approximately $7,522 to $14,007.Personal healthcare expenditures, which comprise the largest share of total national health expenditures, refer to spending on goods and services relating directly to patient care. According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), this includes expenses for hospital care, physicians’ and dentists’ services, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and nursing home care. Various actors, including private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and regular citizens, often combine to pay these expenses.California spent the most on healthcare in 2020 at $405.5 billion. The state paid nearly $135 billion more than New York, the next highest state, and over 63 times the amount spent by Wyoming, the state that spent the least. However, California ranked 23rd for healthcare spending per capita.Which states have high personal healthcare spending?California spent $405.5 billion or 12.1% of total spending on personal healthcare — funds spent directly on health services — in 2020, the latest year with available data on state-level healthcare spending. New York, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania also ranked as top healthcare-spending states in 2020, with expenditures of $270.8 billion, $246.8 billion, $214.4 billion, and $148.3 billion, respectively. However, California, Texas, Florida, and New York were also the four most populous states in 2020.
How many people skip medical treatment due to healthcare costs?
In 2023, 27% of American adults skipped some form of medical treatment because they couldn’t afford it, according to the Federal Reserve. This is lower than the 32% who avoided care in 2013, when data collection began, but ties with 2015 and 2017 as the fourth-highest year on record.The probability of declining medical care seems to correlate with income: 42% of people with a family income under $25,000 skipped some medical treatment in 2023, compared to 12% of people with incomes over $100,000.
The state of healthcare at the end of 2020
Even before the coronavirus pandemic surged across the country, government data revealed that healthcare was getting costlier, and not always with improved results.
How much money do doctors make in the US?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 839,000 people worked as physicians or surgeons in 2024, earning a median annual wage of at least $239,200. By comparison, America's general median wage was $49,500. These jobs require in-depth education and training, and the work environment often requires long shifts and irregular hours. The work can be intense, but the professions are growing. The BLS estimates 24,300 new physician and surgeon jobs will be created over the next decade due to an aging population, increasing rates of chronic illnesses, and mental health service growth. While salaries vary by location and specialty, physicians are some of the most well-compensated healthcare practitioners and among the highest earners overall.How does doctor pay compare to that of other medical professions?Physicians and surgeons earn more than non-physician healthcare practitioners, which includes dentists, therapists, and nurses. This larger group of occupations earns a median annual wage of $101,370, which is more than 80% below the median ($239,200) for physicians and surgeons.
What does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) do?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for administering the nation’s major healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The agency ensures that beneficiaries have access to high-quality healthcare services while also working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. It was established in 1965.
What does the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) do?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Veterans Affairs responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services to military veterans. The agency operates a nationwide system of medical centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized care facilities, offering services ranging from primary care to specialized treatments for conditions such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It also conducts research and provides training for healthcare professionals. It was established in 1930.
Which states have the highest cancer rates?
In 2022, Kentucky had the highest incidence rate of age-adjusted new cancer cases nationwide at 512.0 per 100,000 people, 15.8% above the national rate, followed by West Virginia (510.6) and Iowa (505.9). New Mexico had the lowest rate of any state (366.9) and was followed by Massachusetts (377.9) and Colorado (382.2). According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the nationwide cancer incidence rate was 442.3 per 100,000 people. Separately, Puerto Rico had the lowest rate of new cancers and mortality compared to the states. (The CDC has collected cancer data for Puerto Rico since 2005, but it is not included in the national incident rate. The CDC also has limited data for other US territories.)
The Affordable Care Act and the data: Who is insured and who isn't
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive healthcare reform act signed into law in March 2010, during Barack Obama’s first presidency.The legislation aimed to “make affordable health insurance available to more people” by offering tax credits to some enrollees, expanding Medicaid to be available based on income alone, and supporting innovation to lower the cost of providing healthcare.In early 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that more than 45 million people had enrolled in ACA-related insurance plans.
What’s going on with ACA subsidies?
On December 31, 2025, temporary Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy expansions expired. Beginning in 2026, subsidy eligibility and benefit levels reverted to those set under the original ACA law. The ACA, which was passed in 2010, intended to expand health insurance coverage and reduce healthcare costs. The law established the Health Insurance Marketplace as a platform where individuals and families can shop for and enroll in private, ACA-approved health insurance plans. The ACA Marketplace’s purpose is to provide an insurance option for people who don't have insurance through an employer (like freelancers, people between jobs, part-time workers), or through a public program like Medicaid or Medicare. While ACA Marketplace plans are available to most people regardless of income, the ACA also offers income-based subsidies to eligible enrollees to make monthly premiums more affordable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, eligibility requirements for ACA assistance were temporarily expanded in 2021 to help prevent coverage losses. Because those enhancements expired at the end of 2025, some enrollees may pay higher monthly premiums starting in 2026.
Minnesota and Medicaid: What the data says
On February 25, the Trump Administration announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be freezing $259.5 million earmarked for Medicaid in Minnesota while it investigates allegations of fraud in the state.This is the latest in a series of federal funding suspensions for Minnesota, including funds from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Agriculture. Courts have temporarily blocked the previous attempts to freeze funding.Let's break down the data on Medicaid in Minnesota and what this news might mean for the program.How much does the federal government contribute to Medicaid in Minnesota?Medicaid is a program that provides health insurance for people with low incomes. It is jointly funded by the states and the federal government. In fiscal year 2023, the federal government covered 68.9% of the overall program costs, while states covered the remaining 31.1%. The Minnesota state budget covered 36.6% of Medicaid costs, the fifth highest share of any state.
How many Americans have been diagnosed with HIV?
In 2023, 1.1 million people were living with diagnosed HIV in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a disease spread through sex that weakens a person’s immune system, compromising their health by attacking the white blood cells that are critical to fighting off disease. Early HIV diagnosis is one pillar of the federal government’s plan to end the HIV epidemic.How many people are diagnosed with HIV each year?In 2023, 38,793 people in the US were newly diagnosed with HIV, a number that has surpassed the previous 2017 high. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) attributes the increase to increased testing, as people who delayed healthcare in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic returned to the doctor.The federal government’s goal is to reduce annual new diagnoses to 9,588 by 2025, and then to 3,000 by 2030.
How much does Medicaid cost in the US?
A combined $894 billion in state and federal spending in fiscal year (FY) 2023, the most recent data available. That’s about $2,700 for every person living in the US. As a health insurance program for low-income individuals, Medicaid is jointly funded by both levels of government, with the federal government covering the larger share.
How much is spent per Medicaid enrollee in the US?
In fiscal year (FY) 2023, $9,109 per enrollee. That's 1% lower than in FY 2022. Adjusted for inflation, Medicaid spending per enrollee is at its lowest level since 1994. Spending primarily covers benefits, but administrative costs are also included.
How many people are on Medicaid in the US?
On average, 88.8 million or 26.2% of the US population during FY 2024. Enrolling about 1 in 4 people in the US, Medicaid is one of the largest single health insurers in the country. Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Why have death rates from accidental falls tripled?
What kills more Americans—motor vehicle accidents or accidental falls?In a survey of our newsletter readers, the majority guessed car crashes. In reality, in 2023, 47,026 Americans died from falls, compared with 44,762 from motor vehicle accidents.That’s a big reversal from 2000, when about three times as many people died in motor vehicle accidents as from accidental falls. Since then, motor vehicle death rates have fallen 13%.
What is Medicaid and how many Americans use it? | Episode 2 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:15M
Who has health insurance? Are rates going up?
According to the Census Bureau 92.0% of people in the US had health insurance in 2024. In the past 10 years, the share of people covered by health insurance has been above 90%. Health insurance provides Americans with access to healthcare and offers financial coverage during medical emergencies. Most Americans are insured, but insurance rates still change from year to year due to economic trends (such as those related to COVID-19), demographic shifts (including an aging population), and public policy changes.
How will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impact Medicaid?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, contains over 30 different provisions related to Medicaid — one of the nation’s largest assistance programs. The legislation is poised to change who may be eligible, how people enroll, and how states fund their programs.Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical insurance to millions of low-income individuals. About 89 million people, or 26% of the population, were covered at some point in fiscal year (FY) 2024.
How far into pregnancy do most abortions happen?
In 2022, two out of five (40.2%) of reported abortions occurred within the first six weeks of pregnancy. Another 38.4% happened between seven and nine weeks, and 14.2% within 10 and 13 weeks. Put another way, 92.8% of reported abortions were performed before three and a half months of pregnancy.Farther into pregnancy, abortions are less common. Of the remaining 7.2% of reported abortions, 3.0% occurred between 14 and 15 weeks, 1.6% at 16 to 17 weeks, 1.5% at 18 to 20 weeks, and 1.1% at 21 weeks or more.
What is postpartum depression? Who’s most at-risk of developing it?
A slew of developments in women's healthcare emerged in 2023: In May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-of-its-kind drug to treat menopausal hot flashes. In June, it approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill.The latest development is zuranolone, brand name Zurzuvae. On August 4, 2023, the FDA approved Zurzuvae, the first pill specifically for postpartum depression. Before then, healthcare professionals had to administer intravenous injections for this potentially life-threatening condition.These announcements in women’s health also come at a time when states are considering the legality of abortion access — including bans on the abortion pill — since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022.What is postpartum depression?The FDA defines postpartum depression as a major depressive episode that occurs after a woman gives birth. The onset is usually within the first month after childbirth, but women remain at risk for up to a year afterwards. And although “postpartum” refers to the time after giving birth, this type of depression can also begin in the later stages of pregnancy.Perinatal depression encompasses minor or major episodes of depression anytime during pregnancy or up to a year after giving birth.What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?Symptoms include feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. In extreme cases, it can include thoughts of self-harm, or harming one's child.The Office on Women's Health (OWH) differentiates postpartum depression from the “baby blues,” is a term people use to describe mood swings and feelings of worry and anxiety that are common after giving birth. Baby blues typically resolve on their own within two weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Postpartum depression is more serious and longer-lasting, and should be treated by a healthcare professional.The OWH advises that women who feel emotionless or sad all or most of the time for longer than two weeks, either during or after pregnancy, should reach out for help. Postpartum depression can last months or years after giving birth.How long can postpartum depression last?According to the CDC, postpartum depression can last months or years after giving birth. If left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with a mother’s ability to bond with and care for her baby. It not only affects her health — it can harm the infant's physical and emotional growth.How many women get postpartum depression?A 2018 CDC survey across 31 sites included in its Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System found that an average of 13.2% of women experienced postpartum depressive symptoms after giving birth. The data, collected from 29 states, New York City, and Puerto Rico, showed variance in the prevalence of postpartum depression, from 9.7% of women in Illinois to 23.5% in Mississippi. The average across all locations was 13%.
How prepared is the US for COVID-19 and who's at risk?
How prepared are our hospitals?While there is no perfect measure of how the healthcare system is equipped to deal with an influx of novel coronavirus patients, it’s important to consider how many hospital beds are in the US. As of 2018, the US had approximately 924,000 hospital beds, or 2.8 beds per 1,000 people. This is less than half the number of hospital beds per person that there was in 1980.At the last count in 2015, approximately 65.5% of all hospital beds are already occupied at any one time.
How does America care for the elderly?
Caring for older adults is a growing concern in the US, where the population is aging and healthcare costs for seniors are rising.There are several choices available to those seeking long-term care for older adults, according to the Administration on Aging:At-home care with an eldercare professionalAt-home care from family and friendsNursing homesAssisted livingBoard and care homesContinuing care retirement communitiesIn-home care (with a nurse, aide, or other provider)Community services (adult day care centers, transportation services, etc.)How many senior citizens will there be in 2030?According to the Census Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 or older is projected to increase from 58 million (17% of the population) in 2022 to 73 million (21% of the population) by 2030. As the population ages, more people enroll in Social Security and Medicare programs. The federal government also projects increases in the number of Americans with certain diseases or impairments, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
How did STDs change during the pandemic?
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), increasingly called sexually transmitted infections or STIs, decreased at the beginning of the pandemic. By the end of 2020, however, most STDs had resurged. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and congenital syphilis cases were higher than in 2019, while chlamydia cases decreased.Data from 2021 shows that primary and secondary syphilis continued to increase from pre-pandemic years. Reported cases of chlamydia have steadily increased since 1984 until 2020 — when they decreased by nearly 13% from the year prior. Cases of syphilis among newborns (congenital syphilis) increased by nearly 15% from 2019 and most notably by 235% from 2016.
How does poverty affect people’s mental and physical health?
Poorer households spend a larger portion of their incomes on housing, food, and healthcare. But the challenges of poverty go beyond paying for necessities. People living in poverty are more prone to mental and physical health issues — 19.4% report regular anxiety, and a range of studies indicate an increased risk for chronic disease.What is the federal poverty level?As of January 2023, the federal poverty line is $29,960 for a family of four, or $14,891 for an individual. Households earning at or below these incomes are eligible for certain government programs, including Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, sometimes referred to as food stamps), and other welfare benefits or temporary assistance.
Which states ban the abortion pill?
On June 13, 2024, in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the US Supreme Court unanimously reversed a lower court decision suspending the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone, a medication used to end pregnancies in the first trimester and treat early miscarriages. The ruling allows healthcare providers to continue distributing the medication without added restrictions.As of June 2024, 14 states have near-total bans on mifepristone. The other 36 states and Washington, DC, provide some form of legal access to the abortion medication.
What is the crude death rate and how is it calculated?
The crude death rate measures the number of deaths that occur within a population over a specified period of time — typically one year — per thousand people. This allows researchers to calculate an overview of the mortality of a population.The crude death rate does not account for the age or the sex of the deceased. This metric is considered “crude” because it only measures the deaths in a specific area and does not account for a population’s demographic differences.Crude death rate formulaThe crude death rate is equal to the number of deaths divided by the total population multiplied by 1,000. It is calculated as follows:(Total population) / (Number of deaths) x 1,000 = crude death rateThe US crude death rateResearchers consider the nation’s crude death rate to be an indicator of overall mortality trends. They use the rate to analyze changes to the population's overall health and medical advancements. The crude death rate can also offer insight into healthcare infrastructure and public health initiatives.The crude death rate by itself can’t offer a comprehensive or detailed view of the health of the US population. In order to capture the nuances in mortality patterns, age, and cause-specific death rates are needed to understand the health of the country fully.Crude death rate US 2023According to the CDC’s most recent data, the nation’s crude death rate was 964.1 for the first three months of 2023. This number was lower than the crude death rate of 1113.9 in Q1 2022.Furthermore, the crude death rate for the one-year period ending the first quarter of 2023 was 945.8. This is lower than the crude death rate of 1043.1 in Q1 2022.
How many people in the US get colon cancer?
In 2024, colorectal cancer is estimated to be the fourth most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.In 2000, there were 153,118 cases of colorectal cancer, peaking at 153,889 in 2003. Cases fell to 139,115 in 2012, rose to 147,445 in 2019, and then dropped to 129,820 in 2020 and 131,902 in 2021, likely influenced by reduced testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.Between 2000 and 2021, nearly 3.5 million people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, an amount comparable to the entire population of Connecticut in 2023. This averages to about 400 new cases daily and represents about 9.2% of all new cancer diagnoses during those years.In 2021, there were an estimated 1,392,445 people living with colorectal cancer in the US, meaning one out of every 238 people were directly affected by the disease that year.How many people die from colon cancer?From 2000 to 2021, nearly 1.2 million people died from colorectal cancer — roughly 146 people per day on average. Annual deaths ranged from roughly 57,000 to 52,000 per year. These totals have fallen by 8.2% over this period.What’s the difference between colon and colorectal cancer?Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that can develop in the colon or the rectum. There are key differences between colon and rectal cancers, such as where they occur and how they're treated.The colon is the large intestine, leading to the rectum, which connects to the anus. It's important to recognize that colon and rectal cancers are not the same; they have different risk factors and treatments. Understanding these differences helps ensure more effective care and treatment.Based on data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), since 2000, about 70% of colorectal cancers have been diagnosed as colon cancers.Are colon cancer rates on the rise?Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates have fallen since 2000. Between 2000 and 2021, new case rates have dropped 32.7%, and mortality rates have fallen about 38.2%, according to NCI data.
How have cancer rates changed over time?
Cancer has been one of the top two leading causes of death in the United States for over 75 years. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), nearly 40.5% of all Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.According to NCI data, 2024 could have over 2.0 million new cancer cases. It projects approximately 611,720 people could die from cancer.However, even though the overall number of cases rises as the population grows, fewer people are getting and dying from cancer. Between 2000 and 2021, the incidence rate — or the rate of new cancer cases per 100,000 people — declined by 5.7%, while the annual mortality rate fell by 27.5%.In 2021, age-adjusted figures show 458.3 new cancer cases and 144.2 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
How many people in the US receive care for HIV?
More than 797,000 people in the US received care for HIV in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Nearly 1.1 million people nationwide have been diagnosed with HIV, including 35,769 new diagnoses in 2021. Rapid identification and treatment help stem the spread of HIV and can improve the health outcomes of people who contract the sexually transmitted disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are also central components of the federal government’s plan to end the HIV epidemic.How many newly diagnosed HIV patients receive medical care within a month of diagnosis?In 2022, 82.2% of people who were newly diagnosed with HIV received care within one month of their diagnosis, according to preliminary government estimates. That’s an increase from 77.8% in 2017. The federal government’s goal is 95% by 2025.
How many people have died in the US military, and how?
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, between 1775 and 1991, the US military recorded 651,031 battle deaths and 539,054 non-combat deaths, totaling 1.19 million fatalities.Record-keeping has become more efficient in recent years. From 1980 to 2022, there were 60,770 recorded deaths, of which 50,789 (or 83.6%) were due to accidents, illness, and self-inflicted wounds.
What is the state of RSV in the United States?
Weekly hospitalization rates for respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, rose from 0.2 per 100,000 people during the week of September 2, 2023, to 1.3 during the week of October 28, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET).
The $2 trillion CARES Act, a response to COVID-19, is equivalent to 45% of all 2019 federal spending
Congress passed several major pieces of legislation responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past few weeks. What’s the difference between these bills, currently being discussed in phases, and what’s the best way to measure the size of the CARES Act in the context of previous government spending?Phases I & II: First stages of the coronavirus responsePhase One – Health agencies and initial small business loansThis first significant piece of legislation passed on March 6, 2020. H.R. 6074, or the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, provides $8.3 billion in funding for vaccine development, loans for affected small businesses, evacuations and emergency activities at State Department facilities, and other humanitarian assistance.Phase Two – Paid sick leave, unemployment benefits, and food assistancePhase Two refers to H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which passed on March 17, 2020. The law provides roughly $100 billion in tax credits supporting emergency paid leave benefits. It also expands unemployment benefits and requires employers to give approximately two weeks of paid sick leave. The bill also increases access to food and nutrition support for both children and adults by waiving specific program requirements.Phase III: The CARES ActOn March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law, amounting to over $2 trillion in aid. That’s roughly $6,000 per American or 45% of all federal government expenditures in 2019.
What are the leading causes of death by age?
Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 were responsible for nearly half of the deaths nationwide in 2021. Still, the age-adjusted death rates of both cancer and heart disease have declined over the last 20 years.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 3.46 million people died in the US in 2021. Overall, 10 causes accounted for 74.5% of deaths that year.For comparison, the top 10 causes in 1999 accounted for approximately 80% of all deaths.
How many people in the United States suffer from allergies?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 50 million people in America experience allergies every year, making it the sixth-most common cause of chronic illness in the country. According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, over one-quarter of US adults (25.7%) and nearly one in five US children (18.9%) suffer from seasonal allergies, while 6.2% of adults and 5.8% of children suffer from food allergies.
What’s the state of telehealth after COVID-19?
Telehealth became more widely used throughout the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data indicates that about 80% of physicians plan to continue using it. At the beginning of the pandemic, telehealth visits increased from about 5 million to more than 53 million among Medicare recipients alone. Data collected from April 14, 2021, through August 8, 2022, shows that while telehealth usage rates peaked during the pandemic, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.What is telehealth?The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines telehealth as access to a healthcare provider without an in-person office visit. This includes video chats over computers, tablets, or phones.Telehealth also includes phone calls and digital communication with a provider, such as email or data exchange through a portal. It may also encompass the use of remote monitoring devices like a blood pressure monitor or glucose meter.Interest in telehealth was slowly rising until spring 2020, when the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns made it a necessity. To promote contact-free prevention measures, former President Donald Trump expanded Medicare’s telehealth benefits via executive action, granting millions of Americans access to telehealth services. Up until then, Medicare coverage for telehealth was only available in very specific circumstances.The term telehealth is often used interchangeably with telemedicine. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, telemedicine refers to clinical services, while telehealth includes non-clinical services. For example, non-clinical services may include things like administrative meetings, while clinical services include patient consultations.However, the official Medicaid website no longer uses the term telemedicine, and instead refers to all consultations, diagnoses, meetings, and health assessments completed across a distance as telehealth.What are the differences between telehealth and in-person care?The differences between telehealth and in-person care depend on the patient’s condition. For example, telehealth may be appropriate for consultations, follow-up visits, or common ailments. However, it may be less suitable for conditions that require a physical examination or bloodwork.Telehealth protects patients from potential exposure to communicable diseases in the doctor’s office. Virtual doctor visits give patients access to specialists who may otherwise be inaccessible because they live too far away.However, telehealth may prove more challenging than in-person care for either provider or patient if they have difficulty communicating via video chat. Some telehealth providers may need to make appropriate accommodations for patients with disabilities.Not everyone has access to the broadband internet necessary to access video telehealth services. Others may not have the technical knowledge required to operate telehealth platforms or monitoring devices.
How much do Americans binge drink?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists excessive alcohol use as one of the leading preventable causes of death, which they define as “premature deaths that could have been avoided.”The agency, which is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, conducts research and provides guidance on the health effects of excessive alcohol use, which includes binge drinking.What is binge drinking?The CDC defines “excessive alcohol use” as binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any alcohol use by people younger than 21 or who are pregnant.The definition of binge drinking, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is the consumption of enough alcohol to bring the drinker’s blood alcohol concentration level to .08% or more.For men, this typically corresponds with consuming five or more drinks on an occasion, and for women, it’s four or more. Binge drinking is considered “the most common and costly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States,” according to a 2018 study published by the CDC.Heavy drinking is consuming 15 or more drinks per week for a man, or eight or more drinks per week for a woman.The drinking parameters for pregnant women and young adults have changed over time. In 1981, the US Surgeon General advised pregnant women and those considering pregnancy not to drink at all. This recommendation was reinforced in 2005. In 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act essentially forced states to adopt a legal drinking age of 21.How much do people binge drink in the US?Data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System showed that nearly one in six adults (15.3%) binge drink. A quarter (25%) of this group did so weekly, on average, and 25% consumed at least eight drinks during a binge occasion. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 6% of US adults reported heavy drinking.
How common are traumatic brain injuries in the US?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes about 30% of all injury deaths in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines TBI as an injury that affects how the brain works.CDC data demonstrates the detrimental scale of traumatic brain injuries on Americans. In 2021, the CDC categorized 69,473 deaths in the US as TBI-related.
Mammograms are recommended beginning at age 50. Are women getting them?
Adjusting for age, 71.6% of women 50 and older have had a mammogram screening in the past two years. This figure includes women of all backgrounds, including education, race, income level, and other factors, including insurance status — which denotes the biggest gap between who does or doesn’t get screened.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with approximately 119 per 100,000 women in the United States diagnosed with a new case in 2020. Among women’s cancer deaths, it is the second most common cause, responsible for approximately 19 deaths per 100,000 women in 2020.
US suicide rate trends and states with the highest suicide rates
In 2021, 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.7 million attempted suicide. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–14 and 20–34 in 2021.The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines “suicidal ideation” as “thinking about, considering or planning suicide.”The suicide rate in the United States has steadily increased over the past 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021 — this represents a 36% increase in the national suicide rate since 2000. According to preliminary data, the national suicide rate increased an additional 2% between 2021 and 2022.Which ages have suicide as a top cause of death?Suicide was among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10–64 in 2021.