Impact of Cost in Delay/Deferral of Care: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Growing numbers of people in the United States are delaying or deferring medical care secondary to the cost burden. Those impacted by cost are not just low-income or uninsured persons. Individuals from higher economic ranges and those with private insurance are also affected. Consequences of the rising healthcare costs are individuals delaying or deferring care, testing, and therapies. As patients postpone or omit care, their conditions continue to decline, resulting in needs for additional medical care than initially anticipated. The greater level of care results in more significant healthcare spending and perpetuating the cycle of noncompliance due to healthcare costs.