Abstract
Purpose :
The factors contributing to the widespread prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the United States are multifaceted. This study investigates one of many potential health disparities in eye care in an effort to elucidate the impact of social determinants of health on access to eye care. Specifically, this study investigates the impact of insurance status on visual outcomes, financial burden to patients, and qualitatively analyzes treatment interventions among insured versus uninsured patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Methods :
This retrospective case-control study included 28 patients with diabetic retinopathy and 28 age-matched healthy controls. Parameters investigated included changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number and type of interventions received, overall charges to patients and insurance carriers.
Results :
Differences were not found in treatment (p=0.980), charges (p=0.0873), or visual outcomes (p=0.189) between the groups, however, uninsured patients paid $286.13 more per visit on average compared to insured patients. Despite similar care and visual outcomes, uninsured patients have a much larger financial burden and were more commonly lost to follow up (p=0.013) than insured patients.
Conclusions :
Compared with insured patients, uninsured patients pay significantly more for the same quality of care and comparable visual outcomes.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.