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  4. Looking forward: The most significant 2024 US healthcare trends—Part 4 of 5

Looking forward: The most significant 2024 US healthcare trends - Part 4 of 5

Given that some of the overall physical and mental health indicators show negative progress even while healthcare costs are rising, it begs the question: What is the reason for the backslide?

TREND 4 - Industry response to resolve healthcare challenges

Consider these trends and how addressing them may impact overall success in advancing public health:

  • The impact of weight loss on health is not fully addressed. Medicare does not integrate weight loss into the healthcare equation. The agency does not reimburse for drugs for weight loss despite its recognized impact on overall health.1 
  • R&D emphasis on orphan drugs. Nearly half of all novel medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are orphan drugs.2
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a top 10 global public-health threat, yet just 77 new antibacterial treatments are in clinical development with many not expected to make it to market.3 The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers this effort insufficient related to the inherent risk.3
  • America’s trust in scientists and positive views of science continue to decline. Confidence from both sides of the political spectrum has declined following the onset of COVID-19 in 2019.4

Given the importance and overreaching impact of these trends, the implications are that they may hold back overall healthcare advances. Addressing these issues could support and may be vital to treatment advances.

We found one more trend you need to consider. It’s in our next blog post.

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