Increased use of emergency departments for primary care puts undue burden on EDs; however, EMTALA obligates EDs to provide care to patients regardless of their ability to pay.
A review of three journal articles shows the significant impact that poverty has on physical and mental health status, as well as all causes of mortality.
Health practitioners can help reduce health disparities if they consider the implications and affect that patients' geographical location has on their health.
Presymptomatic genetic testing for neurodegenerative diseases can help patients make effective treatment decisions, but the medical profession needs to ensure that the increasing use of the tests is done responsibly.