International News Draw Awareness to Increase in Cancer Among Young Adults
Recent news stories, such as the public appearances of Princess Catherine and King Charles, have shed light on the importance of early detection and access to quality care to prevent cancer early. Additionally, the alarming trend of rising cancer cases among young adults underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to proactive care. Virtual Primary Care plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing timely and convenient access to cancer prevention, screenings, and diagnosis. In recent years, virtual care has emerged as a transformative force in preventative health, revolutionizing the way patients receive proactive care and support. With services like Recuro Primary Care (https://recurohealth.com/virtual-primary-care/) patients receive access to board certified physicians who can order lab tests, health screenings, and 1-on-1 personalized plans to prioritize preventative solutions when care is more likely to be effective and least costly. Should an individual be diagnosed with cancer, Recuro physicians can refer members onto specialized oncologists in-network while also managing that patient’s overall health journey. As the personalized care quarterback, Recuro primary care physicians help enhance care outcomes by saving patient’s precious time, coordinating care, and easing financial strains. Here’s how…
Saving Time with Early Detection & Cancer Screenings
At Recuro Health, we’re building a future where physicians can more efficiently diagnose conditions, and patients have better access to easily understand their results. With Recuro’s various diagnostic tests and colonoscopies, we can detect certain types of cancer before they become real concerns! Our diagnostic tests empower providers and patients to take proactive steps toward prevention – saving lives and improving outcomes. Proactive care is a cornerstone of long-term health. This includes regular healthcare screenings, lab tests, regular check-ups, and guided care aimed at averting the onset of illnesses and diseases. These services can also identify potential cancer risks at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be effective and less costly. We want to avoid patients having to schedule an oncology visit. Early detection is KEY – don’t wait until it’s too late! Time is precious, especially when it comes to your health. Procrastination and excuses help no one. Instead of spending hours traveling to your next appointment, Recuro Primary Care brings the doctor to YOU for ease and convenience to set regular check-ups. A healthier future starts with proactive steps to better managing your health! A recent study of over 11,600 adults with cancer at the Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that many patients who had telehealth visits scheduled their appointments during a break at work or prior to starting or ending their days. By comparison, an in-person medical visit can take more than 3 hours in a person’s day. “For some people, that’s nearly half of a workday just gone,” said study coauthor Krupal Patel, M.D., who works at the Moffitt Cancer Center (an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida). [3] Telehealth visits eliminate this challenge. Patients don’t have to put off screening appointments – instead consults are available in as little as 24hrs with Recuro Primary Care!
Prioritizing Prevention by Reducing Travel Burdens
Time is one hurdle. Travel is another. Getting access to cancer screenings can prove particularly challenging for patients who live in remote areas or lack reliable transportation. According to the same study by the Moffitt Cancer Center, researchers found that telehealth visits saved patients an average of 2.9 hours of driving time (round trip) and 1.2 hours of in-clinic time per visit.[1] Now, consider each employee was reimbursed at a travel expense of approximately $0.56 to $0.82 per mile – researchers then developed a range of savings that resulted from not having to travel. The results were astonishing… according to their cost model, telehealth visits were associated with nearly $1.2 million savings in otherwise lost income due to driving time and $467,000 savings in lost income due to visit time, for a total estimated savings in lost income of $1.6 million across the 11,600 participants in the study. [3] Telehealth services, like Virtual Primary Care, bridge this gap by allowing patients to access care remotely, regardless of their geographical location. This is especially important for regularly primary care visits for patients already diagnosed with cancer, who need to manage their overall health. Looking to get screened? Individuals living in rural or underserved communities (where access to regular care is already limited) now have access to preventative solutions including labs, genomics tests, and health risks assessments to identify cancerous biomarkers before they are diagnosed! By eliminating the need for extensive travel, telehealth solutions like Recuro Primary Care, ensures that patients can focus on proactive care without the added stress of long-distance commutes.
Easing Financial Strains On A Unhealthy Population
Globally, the aging population is increasing the chance of developing a wide range of illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and neurological problems – accounting for almost 1.5 billion people. Sadly that does not change the reality that an estimated 85,980 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 15 to 39 were diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2023. [5] This alarming statistic, combined with the international news of the British royal family, is driving much-needed attention to cancer awareness throughout the globe – not just in the U.S. However, unlike the royal family, the financial burden of cancer care can be overwhelming for many patients and their families. Studies have shown that treatment for cancer patients who have been diagnosed early are 2 to 4 times less expensive compared to treating people diagnosed with cancer at more advanced stages. [6] This year alone, 297,790 (~300K) new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed. Tragically… about 43,700 women will lose that battle. Diagnostic testing helps identify problems at an early stage when treatment is most effective. [7] In a related study, the use of telehealth was associated with an average cost savings of between $147 and $186 per visit for patients, according to findings published January 10 in JAMA Network Open. [2]
Book Your Next Virtual Appointment Today
Remember to prioritize your long-term health by scheduling a Primary Care visit through Recuro’s member portal or through the Recuro Care app. By partnering with one of Recuro’s Primary Care Physicians, you can conveniently screen for and begin treatment for any health conditions discovered. Regular screenings through Recuro Primary Care serve as a vital tool in the fight against cancer, offering patients the opportunity to catch the disease before it’s too late.
Take the first step and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified primary care physicians today.
Looking to book an appointment with one of our health care providers? Get started by logging in to our member web portal or by downloading our Recuro Care app. Get started on a better health journey this year with Recuro Health!
You must first download the Recuro Care App, before booking an appointment.
*Plan configuration & services available may vary. Reach out to your plan administrator or Recuro Health’s Customer Service for a comprehensive list of your covered services at 855-6RECURO (855-673-2876).
Sources:
1: https://www.moffitt.org/about-moffitt/nci-designation/
2: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800164
3: https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/telehealth-cancer-care-saves-time-money
4: https://healthcaredelivery.cancer.gov/telehealth/trace.html
5: https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya
6: https://www.who.int/news/item/03-02-2017-early-cancer-diagnosis-saves-lives-cuts-treatment-costs
7: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
