For people with chronic health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), access to care is vital for the management of their disease. If a person cannot receive the care they need, their condition can worsen, leading to further disability and a decreased quality of life.
This article discusses why access to care is so important for people with psoriatic arthritis.
The Importance of Caring for Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that coexists with the skin condition psoriasis, which causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin. Unlike psoriasis, which affects the skin, PsA mainly affects the joints and can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness.
When people undergo treatment for PsA, they can limit the disease’s damage and slow its progression, thus, maintaining an overall quality of life.
However, without access to care, permanent joint damage can occur and people may lose mobility. There is also the inflammation characteristic of PsA that, if left untreated, can lead to other diseases.
Barriers to Psoriatic Arthritis Care
There are various reasons why people with PsA may experience a lack of access to care. According to research, those reasons include:
Giving up on treatment because they are unaware of all available treatment options Being unable to afford care because of lack of insurance or insurance that doesn’t cover PsA treatment Having a difficult time getting in touch with healthcare providers or getting to appointments Shortage of proper specialists available to see patients
Overcoming Barriers to Care
It can be difficult to overcome certain barriers to care, but there are ways that can improve a person’s ability to receive the care they need.
Telemedicine, for example, is a great way to help people gain access to care. Telemedicine involves the use of technology, such as video chats or phone calls, as a way to receive health care services. Research has shown that people with PsA can greatly benefit from improved access to care if telemedicine is made available to them.
Providing affordable care for people without insurance is also a step toward better access to care. The National Psoriasis Foundation offers several resources, including information on affordable health insurance, financial assistance options, and health clinics that work with patients so that they pay only what they can afford to pay for their care.
Additionally, some pharmaceutical companies have programs that help provide expensive medications at a lower cost to eligible individuals.
Summary
People with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have to manage their disease to avoid long-term disability. The only way to do so is to have proper access to health care and the appropriate medications.
Direct access to specialists so people don’t have to wait for referrals Increasing the number of practicing rheumatologists (specialists in conditions of the joints, bones, and muscles) nationwide Providing more specialized training for primary healthcare providers
Cost is one of the biggest obstacles people face when trying to maintain adequate care for their condition, and they may avoid treatment because of long wait times to see specialists and not knowing about available treatment options. This can lead to people stopping care altogether.
To ensure that access to care is improved, telemedicine and providing affordable care can help to eliminate the barriers that affect people with PsA the most.
A Word From Verywell
Having PsA can be difficult, so it’s important to have access to a healthcare provider to ensure your condition doesn’t progress or get worse. On top of having to cope with the disease itself, obstacles to care make living with PsA more challenging. The resources mentioned in this article can help you find affordable care so that your condition can be better managed.
