The Socioeconomic Impact of Gout and Barriers to Treatment

Gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, can wreak havoc on the body. The good news? It’s easily managed with the right help. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, care for someone suffering, or are a medical professional treating the disease, the Kicking Gout in the Acid podcast can help you learn more.

In this episode of Kicking Gout in the Acid, Dr. Larry Edwards is joined by Gout Education Society International Advisory Council member Dr. Jasvinder Singh, rheumatologist at Baylor College of Medicine. The two discuss the socioeconomic impact of gout and barriers to proper treatment to showcase how the disease affects more than just the body.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gout comes with a variety of indirect costs (work absenteeism and loss of productivity) and direct costs (doctor visits, medications, and lab tests) that are often unseen by those with the disease.
  • Early and ongoing management of the disease is vital to reducing the economic burden on patients.
  • A lack of rheumatologists in the United States puts additional pressure on primary care physicians to manage the disease early; however, delayed referrals to rheumatologists can negatively impact patient outcomes.
  • While new, there is potential for new therapies and management strategies. The current priority for gout management lies in addressing adherence issues for patients and knowledge gaps for medical professionals.

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Looking for nearby gout specialists? Find rheumatologists, nephrologists and more via the Gout Specialists Network.

Educational Materials:

Kicking Gout in the Acid is sponsored by Sobi.

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