Health Economics: The Hidden Cost of Childhood Illness and Nonadherence

This chapter will introduce the concept of nonadherence in health care, particularly as it relates to the pediatric population, and its associated fiscal impact. We will delve into pediatric-specific barriers and discuss the medical and economic consequences of nonadherence, both as it relates to the general population as well as to this particularly vulnerable group. We will further discuss the current state of healthcare spending in the United States, emphasizing how programs aimed at improving adherence will offer both direct health benefits to the patient, as well as significant cost benefits in the form of reducing avoidable or wasteful dollars spent. Finally, we will explore the growing burden of chronic disease and the associated increase in health care utilization, which potentiates further nonadherence and translates into greater health care spending.