As chief medical officer of WebMD, John Whyte, MD, is in a unique position to understand the current state of health care for older adults in the United States and where it may be heading in the future. We asked him to share his insights on several topics as well as some advice.
Online MD: What is the biggest health care issue facing seniors today?
Jevon: Cost, transportation, and quality of care remain some of the biggest issues in health care for older adults. Medicare does not cover 100% of costs, and many patients struggle to pay prescription drugs and doctor bills. As a result, they sometimes don’t see their doctor as often as they need to and often can’t get their prescriptions refilled. Lack of adequate transportation makes it difficult for many seniors to receive care—they simply cannot keep up with their appointments. As older adults develop more health problems and spend less time with their doctor, it can be difficult to meet all of their health care needs. Therefore, it is difficult to control diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure.
Online MD: How will technology change how seniors get health care over the next decade?
Jevon: Everyone, including seniors, needs to become more tech-savvy when participating in the healthcare system. Digital tools like sensors and trackers are becoming increasingly useful in managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and brief office visits don’t always give us time to address these issues. Virtual reality tools will also become more common. Given that many people didn’t grow up with these types of technologies, this could make it more difficult for certain groups to access health care. We need to ensure that everyone – especially older adults – has access to innovations that improve their experience in the healthcare system and lead to better outcomes.
Online MD: How will COVID-19 change the nature of the doctor-patient interaction?
Jevon: In the short term, COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Suddenly, nearly every visit became a virtual visit. Unfortunately, in some cases, neither doctors nor patients are fully prepared for this sudden change. Many are excluded entirely or do not receive optimal care. But the news isn’t all bad. For others, it’s a way to bring a doctor to them instead of them having to go see a doctor. Technology can help us solve some of the transportation problems I mentioned above. When we enter the “new normal,” I think most doctors will see patients in person, but telemedicine will play a greater role. I also think we will see more services delivered directly into the home.
Online MD: What is the number one piece of advice you give a patient or caregiver about how to successfully interact with the healthcare system?
Jevon: Whether you are a self-advocate or someone who cares about others, successful interactions with the health care system require persistence. We all know the saying: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Sometimes you have to be that squeaky wheel. Navigating the healthcare system can be very challenging. There are many regulations that affect your access to care, and they can be confusing. Sometimes your technique doesn’t work the first time. So when using certain services, you need to hold on and you need to speak up. There’s also an interesting dynamic with older adults when it comes to health care: They often say they don’t want to bother the doctor, or that they want to be a “good patient.” We must help them understand that being a good patient or a good advocate for others means getting everything you need to ensure you receive quality care.
Online MD: If you were talking to a loved one over the age of 70, what would be the first health care advice you would give them about taking care of themselves?
Jevon: It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, please quit. If you’re not a fan of exercise, start slowly—even if it means not sitting too much throughout the day. Being active doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. There are many things you can do at home. Look at what you are eating and start thinking of food as medicine. It can be just as effective as prescription medications – and in some cases, it can help you get off some of the medications you’re taking. Finally, listen to your body. When you feel uncomfortable, consult your doctor.
