As WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Whyte is uniquely positioned to see both the current state and future trends in healthcare for older Americans. We asked him to share his insights on a few topics along with some advice.
Web MD: What are the biggest access challenges facing older adults today?
JW: Cost, transportation, and quality of care remain the biggest challenges when it comes to health care for older adults. Medicare does not cover 100% of the costs, and many patients have difficulty paying prescription drugs and doctor fees. As a result, you may not see your doctor as often as you need to and may not be able to refill your prescriptions. Lack of adequate transportation makes it difficult for many older people to get medical care. They simply couldn’t make it to their appointments. As older adults’ health conditions worsen and they spend less and less time with their doctors, it can be difficult to address all of their health care needs. As a result, conditions such as diabetes or blood pressure may be difficult to control.
WebMD: How will technology change the way older adults access health care in the next decade?
JW: Everyone, including older adults, must become more tech-savvy when participating in the healthcare system. Digital tools like sensors and trackers are becoming increasingly useful in managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which you don’t always have time to address in a short office visit. Virtual reality tools will also become more widespread. Given that many people did not grow up with this type of technology, access to health care may become more difficult for some groups. We need to ensure that everyone, especially older people, has access to innovations that can improve their experience of the health care system and lead to better outcomes.
WebMD: How will COVID-19 change the nature of doctor-patient interactions?
JW: In the short term, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Suddenly, almost every visit turned into a virtual visit. Unfortunately, in some situations, neither doctors nor patients are adequately prepared for these sudden changes. Many people are completely excluded or do not receive optimal care. But the news isn’t all bad. For others, it was a way to get a doctor instead of having to go to the doctor. Technology can help solve some of the transportation problems mentioned above. As we transition to a “new normal,” most doctor visits will be in-person, but telehealth will play a much larger role. I also think we’ll see more services delivering directly to people’s homes.
WebMD: What is the first piece of advice you would give to a patient or caregiver about how to successfully interact with the healthcare system?
JW: Whether you are a self-advocate or a caregiver to others, successful interactions with the health care system require persistence. We all know the phrase “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel. The healthcare system can be very difficult to navigate. It can be confusing because there are so many regulations that can affect your access to care. Sometimes your technique may not work the first time. Therefore, you should exercise caution and speak up when accessing certain services. There is an interesting dynamic among older adults when it comes to health care. They often say that they don’t want to bother their doctor or that they want to be a “good patient.” We need to help them understand that being a good patient or a good advocate for others means getting what they need to receive quality care.
Web MD: If you were talking to a loved one over 70, what is the most important piece of health care advice you would give them about taking care of themselves?
JW: It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. If you’re not physically active, start slow, even if you don’t sit much throughout the day. Being active doesn’t mean you have 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 as medicine. These can be just as powerful as prescription medications and, in some cases, may even help you wean off some of the medications you are taking. Lastly, listen to your body. If you feel unwell, contact your doctor.
