Arkansas is doing something right in terms of creating affordable treatment options for people living with rheumatic diseases, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Like most of the country, the state received a “C” for lifestyle activities and affordability, but the College gives the state an “A” for access to care. Dr. Christopher Mecoli with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine explains why.
Rheumatic diseases include arthritis, gout and lupus, and 100 other conditions. The conditions impact one in four Americans, and the most recent numbers estimate 91-million people, including individuals who may be undiagnosed. Treatment for the illnesses cost 140-billion dollars annually, which exceeds the annual cost of cancer care.