KevinMD September 28, 2024
Ripley Hollister, MD

Recently, an elderly patient at my practice unexpectedly began to miss her monthly appointments.

I was alarmed. The patient has atrial fibrillation—a condition characterized by irregular heart rhythms and an increased risk of stroke. The condition demands consistent and timely medical care. For elderly patients like the one in our care, these appointments are not just check-ups. They are vital for adjusting medications, monitoring heart health, and preventing serious complications like blood clots.

Yet, despite how crucial these appointments were, I discovered that this patient faced a significant challenge: she could not access a car or reliable transportation to our office.

What I am describing is not new. All patient care is affected by “drivers of health” or “social determinants...

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