Provider Roles and Collaborative Efforts for DME Disparities

EP: 1.Addressing Barriers to Health Equity: The Role of Timely Diagnosis and Health Literacy in Managing Diabetic Eye Disease

EP: 2.Challenges in Diabetes Therapy Adherence: Impact on Early Intervention and Long-Term Visual Outcomes

EP: 3.Improving Patient Adherence in Diabetic Macular Edema Eye Care

EP: 4.Impact of Step Therapy and Prior Authorization Requirements in Ophthalmology Practice

EP: 5.Physician Advocacy for Patient Access: Navigating Medication Authorization Challenges

EP: 6.Diversity and Inclusion in Ophthalmology Clinical Trials: Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust

EP: 7.Community Engagement and Long-Term Commitment: Fostering Trust and Collaboration in Clinical Trials for Ophthalmology

EP: 8.Addressing Differences in Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Diabetes: The Role of Community Engagement

EP: 9.Promoting Equitable Patient Care: A Call for Self-Reflection and Awareness Among Providers

EP: 10.DME Disparities: Socioeconomic Impact and Health Equity

Now Viewing

EP: 11.Provider Roles and Collaborative Efforts for DME Disparities

EP: 12.Closing Gaps in DME Care: Harnessing the Power of Comprehensive Data Strategies

EP: 13.Ensuring Equitable Patient Care in DME: Unconscious Bias Training and SDOH Screening

EP: 14.Collaborations and Inclusivity for Equitable DME Care

EP: 15.Building An Equitable Future: Strategies for DME Advocacy

This is a video synopsis/summary of an Insights involving Amy Nguyen Howell, MD, MBA.

Howell discusses the crucial role health care providers, particularly ophthalmologists, can play in reducing health disparities for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Referring to a study by Julia Haller, MD, Howell outlines 3 key aspects for addressing disparities.

Firstly, Haller’s study emphasizes the significance of clinical trial enrollment in patients with DME. Disparities are evident in underrepresented groups, such as Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, with lower enrollment compared to White patients. This underrepresentation leads to a lack of data on clinical health outcomes for minority groups, hindering improvements and widening health disparities.

Secondly, real-world data analysis from the Medicare population reveals significant disparities in DME treatment. Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients are 70% to 80% less likely to be treated for DME compared to their White counterparts. Moreover, those treated in these groups are more likely to receive less effective off-label treatments, such as laser photo coagulation.

Lastly, the study highlights disparities in the initiation of timely treatment for newly diagnosed DME patients. Black, Asian, and female patients, along with certain age groups, are less likely to receive prompt treatment, leading to preventable visual outcome disparities. Howell emphasizes the importance of timely identification, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment, particularly with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections for underrepresented groups.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC^® editorial staff.