She currently operates a private practice in Lafayette, CA, which opened in 2009.
Verywell Health: What financial barriers exist to key in 2 diabetes treatment?
Dr. Lee: Financial barriers can prevent people from getting the best diabetes treatment.
Zoe Hansen / Verywell
Verywell Health: Does the quality of treatment vary at different practices?
Dr. Lee: Yes.
Receiving treatment from an endocrine practice versus a primary care practice looks very different.
At an endocrine practice like mine, we tend to utilize newer medicationswhich can be highly effective but expensive.
So its a stark difference.
The reason for this is likely the cost.
Typical retail prices for GLP-1 receptor medications are about $1,000 a month.
Dr. Lee: Not all people speak American English, so language barriers can complicate care.
People with language barriers tend not to complain to healthcare providers.
Verywell Health: How can financial barriers to jot down 2 diabetes treatment be reduced?
Dr. Lee: Well, manufacturers can make their medications priced lower.
And insurance companies can start broadening their coverage when healthcare providers say a person needs it.
Iwishinsurance companies approved these medications off the bat instead of fighting with them myself.
As healthcare providers, were busy; we dont have a lot of time to fight with insurance companies.
So, it would be huge if pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies worked together to lower the costs.
Verywell Health: What other types of access barriers should be struck down?
