Healthcare Cost Barrier and Financial Toxicity: Mechanisms Linking Medical Expenses to Health Outcomes
Healthcare cost barrier, often discussed through the lens of “financial toxicity,” refers to the adverse health effects that arise when medical expenses and out-of-pocket burdens disrupt access to timely, appropriate care. Although affordability is a societal issue, its biological and behavioral consequences are measurable and clinically relevant. When patients must weigh treatment needs against parking… Read More »