West LA Times

Los Angeles County residents living in lower-income areas like South Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley face a considerably higher risk of preventable hospitalizations or emergency department visits, according to a recent study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

The study revealed that South Los Angeles has the highest rate of preventable hospitalizations (1,252 per 100,000 adults), followed by the Antelope Valley (888). Ninez Ponce, director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, emphasized that these disparities highlight the healthcare system's failure to serve the most medically and socially vulnerable individuals.

Researchers identified chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and hypertension as key factors contributing to the high rates of preventable hospitalizations. Susan Babey, co-director of the Chronic Disease Program at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, stressed the importance of proper disease management through regular visits to healthcare providers and medication adherence.

The study also pointed out the significant impact of Medi-Cal coverage on access to care, with South Los Angeles having the highest proportion of adults insured by Medi-Cal at 35.2%. However, despite better access to care for Medi-Cal recipients, barriers still exist due to lower payments to providers and shortages of healthcare professionals in under-resourced communities.

In light of these findings, researchers recommended improving access to primary and specialty care, as well as increasing payments for Medi-Cal providers. They highlighted the financial benefits of reducing preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits, which are estimated to cost significantly more than outpatient care.

The study authors urged policymakers and payers to consider these recommendations to address health equity disparities and enhance healthcare services in underserved communities. They welcomed recent legislative efforts in California to increase provider reimbursement rates for essential services, emphasizing the need to prioritize primary care and mental health services to improve overall health outcomes.