About 40% of adult Californians live with at least one chronic medical condition. Chronic conditions present a host of challenges to individuals in their daily lives, such as having to cope with drug interactions and side effects, make difficult lifestyle changes, see the doctor (usually more than one) more often, and face frequent urgent medical care episodes. But when coupled with the reality of navigating an increasingly complex and costly health care system, these challenges become even more daunting.

This 2008 snapshot, by Harris Interactive, takes a close look at chronic illness through the perspectives and experiences of those living with one or more chronic conditions. Survey results provide data on health status; provider services and ease of access to health care; satisfaction with services, physician collaboration, and health benefits; types of insurance coverage; overall out-of-pocket costs; prescription drug use and costs; the relationship between expenses and neglect of care; and additional concerns about the affordability of health care.

Among the findings:

• Respondents who reported having a primary care provider felt more in control of their health, were happier with their health care benefits, and were less likely to neglect their health.
• Many respondents reported that they failed to get the health care they needed (such as medical tests, prescriptions, or care for a specific problem) in the prior year. Those who neglected care due to cost were more likely to end up in the emergency room.
• Although more than half of respondents reported that they had not received basic care management services or preventive care follow-up reminders, respondents with Kaiser providers were much more likely to report receiving care management services and faster access to care.
• Nearly 30% of all respondents who saw multiple doctors reported receiving conflicting advice.
• Of respondents who rated their doctors' collaboration as fair or poor, 46% ended up in the emergency room within the prior two years.

The complete snapshot is available under Document Downloads.