Young adults with lupus living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to receive adequate care despite having insurance coverage, a new study finds. Researchers examined 1,036 Medicare-insured individuals aged 18-35 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and found significant disparities in access to rheumatology care and diagnostic testing based on neighborhood disadvantage.
The study revealed that only 39% of participants saw a rheumatologist at least twice a year, while just 28% underwent annual serology testing. Those residing in the most disadvantaged areas were 48% less likely to receive serology testing and had 26% lower visit-based retention compared to those in less disadvantaged areas.
Racial disparities were also evident, with Black individuals experiencing nearly half the visit-based retention of White individuals in the least disadvantaged areas. However, White people living in disadvantaged areas had higher visit-based retention at 64%.
Geographic differences emerged, with Midwest residents 50% less likely to receive serology testing than those in the South.
The findings highlight persistent healthcare disparities in lupus care, even among insured populations. Researchers emphasize the critical importance of regular doctor visits and testing for improving outcomes in SLE patients.
The study underscores the need for further research to understand how these care differences impact lupus outcome disparities, particularly among minoritized populations such as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals, who often experience poorer disease outcomes.
These results shed light on the complex interplay between neighborhood disadvantage, race, and access to essential lupus care, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve healthcare equity for all lupus patients.
See “Neighborhood Disadvantage Associated with Lower Testing and Physician Access in Young People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Despite Insurance Coverage” (April 25, 2024)
