Washington — Millions of Americans are risking their health because they cannot understand medical forms, even prescriptions, and many doctors are too harried to provide simple directions, experts said Saturday.
"This enormous problem has gone largely unrecognized and rarely discussed," said Dr. Herman Abromowitz, an American Medical Assn. trustee who participated in a discussion of health literacy at an AMA national leadership conference.
"Take away the fear of your white coat and stethoscope. Let your patients know it's OK not to understand and to ask questions," he said, reminding his colleagues they have an ethical responsibility to ensure that patients understand them.
Among the problems cited: the growing number of senior citizens who have problems with vision, hearing and cognitive skills; more and more patients for whom English is not their first language; patients unable to read or with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
Also, doctors busier than ever are not taking the time to adequately explain patient consent forms, instructions, prescriptions and other vital information. And when they can take the time, many physicians lapse into "doctor-speak," rather than using plain English.
The AMA estimates about 90 million Americans have difficulty comprehending medical information and acting on it.
That means an inability to follow instructions on pill bottles, understand health advice, complete office forms or insurance applications, or give informed consent to have an operation or office medical procedure.
The results can be devastating visits to emergency rooms, increased likelihood of complications, even death.
The country's largest organization of physicians estimates that low health literacy costs the health care system $73 billion per year in unnecessary doctor visits, hospitalizations and longer hospital stays, and that estimate does not factor in expenses associated with malpractice lawsuits.
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