Most fail to undergo health screenings

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Most Americans are failing to make good use of recommended health screening examinations, according to annual federal health reports released Monday.

"It's encouraging to learn that overall quality continues to improve,'' said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the Health and Human Services Department. "At the same time, the message is clear: Much more can be done to prevent illness from occurring or progressing.''

The reports of both the 2006 National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report found:

-- Only about 52 percent of adults reported receiving recommended colorectal cancer screenings. About 56,000 Americans die from colorectal cancer. Initial screenings are recommended for people over age 50.

-- Fewer than half of obese adults reported being counseled about diet by a healthcare professional. About one-third of American adults are obese.

-- Only 49 percent of people with asthma said they were told how to change their environment, and 28 percent reported receiving an asthma management plan. Asthma causes about 500,000 hospitalizations annually.

-- Only 48 percent of adults with diabetes received all three recommended screenings -- blood-sugar tests, foot exams and eye exams -- to prevent disease complications. Clancy's agency estimates about $2.5 billion could be saved each year by eliminating hospitalizations related to diabetes complications.

Overall, the review of 40 core quality measures found a 3.1-percent increase in the quality of care -- the same rate of improvement as the previous two years. Except for vaccinations for children, adolescents and the elderly, which improved by almost 6 percent, the improvement rate for other preventive measures -- screenings, advice and prenatal care -- was less than 2 percent.

The greatest quality gains occurred in U.S. hospitals, where quality improved 7.8 percent.