The Physicians Foundation recently announced the release of Poverty and the Myths of Health Care Reform, which was commissioned by the Foundation and documents the impact of social determinants on health care costs. Authored by the late Richard (Buz) Cooper, M.D., a prominent physician and academic, the book draws on decades of health research and economic data to demonstrate the pervasive, debilitating effects of poverty on health care costs, resource utilization and overall patient outcomes.
“The essential truths uncovered in Buz’s work are very clear from my own medical practice,” said Joseph Valenti, M.D., FACOG, and Physicians Foundation Board Member. “Poverty has become one of the most challenging issues we face here in the U.S., particularly with the financial burden it places on our healthcare system in comparison to other developed nations. Insights from this book should help all healthcare stakeholders, including legislators, acknowledge the tangible impact of poverty on costs, outcomes and society as a whole.”
To hear more insights from Dr. Valenti as well as other colleagues, friends and family about Dr. Cooper’s findings and life, view their video commentary here.
For more information, please visit www.physiciansfoundation.org.