| Minors are almost twice as likely to have low-birth weight babies. The hospital delivery charges for very low-birth weight babies averaged $75,000 in 2004 compared with $1,200 for babies considered healthy weights. |
| To ensure reproductive health care remains accessible for Wisconsin patients. |
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|  | Health Literacy & Cultural Compentency |
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| Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. A recent government study estimates that over 89 million American adults have limited health literacy skills.
Studies also show that people from all ages, races, income and education levels are challenged by this problem. Individuals with limited health literacy incur medical expenses that are up to four times greater than patients with adequate literacy skills, costing the health care system billions of dollars every year in unnecessary doctor visits and hospital stays.
Compounding the problem is the fact that most patients hide their confusion from their doctors because they are too ashamed and intimidated to ask for help. |
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