Extreme Temperatures and Missed Doctor Appointments: How Weather Impacts Seniors’ Health Care Access

Extreme temperatures are impacting seniors’ ability to keep their medical appointments, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. The study, conducted by researchers at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, analyzed over one million appointments involving 91,560 adult patients from Jan. 2009 through Dec. 2019.

The findings revealed that on days that are 90 degrees or hotter, for every 1 degree increase in temperature, the rate of missed appointments rises by 0.64%. Similarly, on cold days, the rate of missed appointments increases by 0.72% for every 1-degree decrease below 39 degrees.

Senior author of the study, Nathalie S. May, M.D., emphasized the importance of the findings, stating that extreme temperatures significantly impact people’s likelihood of keeping their medical appointments. The study also highlighted the challenges faced by older adults in attending appointments, especially those with mobility issues, chronic conditions, or cognitive impairment.

Experts recommend several strategies to prevent skipped appointments, including scheduling appointments during more favorable weather conditions, considering telehealth appointments, ensuring reliable transportation, and having essentials on hand for unexpected delays.

While the study had some limitations, such as relying on limited data sets and not accounting for individual diseases’ impact on missed appointments, it sheds light on the need for alternative methods of healthcare delivery during extreme weather conditions. Researchers suggest further studies to assess the impact of transportation availability on missed appointments.

In conclusion, extreme temperatures are affecting seniors’ ability to access healthcare, and proactive measures are needed to ensure they receive the necessary medical care despite challenging weather conditions.