Chronic Disease in America
INTRODUCTION
Professor Gerard Anderson of Johns Hopkins observed that the big picture of healthcare continues to evolve in the United States. From 1900–1950, healthcare was primarily devoted to addressing the demands imposed on society by infectious disease. From 1950–2000, health care centered on episodic care (unexpected illness, accident, injuries or conditions). As we move into the next 50 years, the health focus in America will be on chronic care.
Consider the impact of chronic disease in America today:
70% of all deaths in the U.S. are linked to chronic disease, and five chronic diseases – heart...