AAN 2021 | The role of social determinants in epilepsy treatment delays for Arizonans on Medicaid

Swapna Reddy, JD, DrPH, MPH, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, shares the findings of an investigation into the cause and extent of treatment delays for patients with epilepsy enrolled in Arizona’s Medicaid program. Medicaid claims recorded over a 4-year period were used to assess the impact of patient demographics and social determinants on treatment delays. Nearly 6000 patients were included in the study. Factors most strongly associated with going untreated or facing treatment delays were identified as older age, race, marital status, homelessness, and poverty. Dr Reddy discusses how the study highlights the vulnerabilities of certain subpopulations and how she hopes this will spur similar research into addressing gaps in undertreated populations. This interview took place during the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2021 Annual Meeting.