Join Aimed Alliance and the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health (PACH) for a Free Webinar on June 16, 2022 from 12PM-1PM ET.
For employers, a diverse workforce is important for maintaining a variety of perspectives, increasing creativity and productivity, and attracting and retaining talented employees. Now, during the Great Resignation, it is more important than ever for employers to demonstrate that they value a diverse workforce. One way employers can do this is through recognizing the unique health care needs of their workforce, including the needs of employees with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
PAD is a cardiovascular disease that causes a narrowing of the peripheral arteries that carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body. It can affect blood vessels in any part of the body but is most commonly found in the legs and feet. The disease can cause pain, impaired mobility, and even the loss of limbs. PAD can start with a sore on the legs and feet, pain in the legs, and/or pale or blue-colored feet.
More than 200 million people worldwide have PAD; yet only about 25% of the general public is aware of PAD. PAD affects both men and women and the risk of developing the disease increase with age. In the U.S., PAD affects one in five Americans older than age 60. Additionally, African Americans have an increased risk of PAD, while Hispanics may have similar to slightly higher rates of PAD compared to non-Hispanic white people.
Many people misinterpret their PAD symptoms, and even health care professionals may struggle to correctly diagnose the disease. Health care providers may utilize imaging tests or noninvasive exams to help diagnose the condition. For example, the Ankle-brachial index test is a quick, noninvasive test that measures the blood pressure in the ankles and compares it with the blood pressure in the arms, both at rest and after exercise.
In addition to increasing public awareness, especially among at-risk communities – and expanding education and training for health care providers – it’s essential that benefit managers ensure that health care policy coverage includes access to PAD screenings and treatments.
Through improved coverage, including for testing and treatment, patients can be diagnosed earlier and receive timely treatment to help improve quality of life and prevent heart attacks, strokes, and amputations. For employers, improved coverage may not only help ensure a healthier, happier workforce, but also may help save on long-term health care costs through prevention and early treatment before major medical events occur. Proactively managing PAD can help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and amputations, especially for companies with a diverse workforce.
Hosted by Aimed Alliance, a not-for-profit health policy organization, and the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health (PACH), this webinar will inform HR professionals about how to ensure their health benefit plans include screening for early detection and treatment for PAD and access to therapies with a patient-centered approach that will keep employees in the workforce. Come prepared to hear from health care and benefits experts, and bring your questions!
Register to attend this free webinar here.
Last Updated on June 14, 2022 by Aimed Alliance
