How Millions of Americans Are Combating the Rising Cost of Health Care
Young and Old, Americans are Paying for Pain
An estimated 12 million individuals between the ages of 5 and 22 years suffer a sports-related injury annually and leads to 20 million lost days of school. More than 80% of ankle sprains are a result of inversion, or inward rolling, of the ankle. Recent reports have shown that around 25,000 Americans suffer from ankle sprains each day. Sports-related injuries account for about $33 billion in health care costs each year. With these mounting costs Americans searching for ways to keep their health costs low.
Walking it Off May Not Be Enough
Many active Americans may not know the extent of their injuries.About Four in 10 people try to take the “walk it off” approach and continue to exercise to relieve lower back pain. This isn’t surprising because although about 69% of Americans say that low back pain affects their day-to-day lives; 40% of people suffering from low back pains of an extended length do not see a doctor or pursue physical therapy options. These pains can lead to long term injuries.It was reported that about 10% of Baby Boomers say that their physical activity is limited to a few days a month and by 2030 an estimated 60% of Baby Boomers will be managing a chronic condition.
Why are Americans Turning to Walk In Medical Clinics
Americans are finding that walk in medical clinics are more time and cost effective than hospitals or emergency rooms. More than two-thirds of urgent care centers are open prior before 9:00 am and about eighty-five percent of these urgent care facilities are open seven days a week. Most centers are able to provide a wide range of treatment including fracture care. Currently there are 20,000 physicians care for about 3 million patients visit urgent care clinics each week, according to the Urgent Care Association of America. By choosing the right walk in medical clinic patients can save time and money.
