A recent study from the University of Washington School of Medicine reveals a national snapshot of the ways Americans are vulnerable to financial insecurity after undergoing medical procedures.

Surveys showed that about 38% of people who undergo surgery in the United States report experience financial hardship after the medical procedure — meaning they have incurred debt and have difficulty paying medical bills, or they delay medical care for fear of cost.

John Scott is a trauma surgeon and researcher who studies health policy at the University of Washington. He joins us to discuss his findings.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/08/uw-medicine-financial-impacts-surgery-tol/