Did you know that, in a nationwide survey, fewer than five percent of healthcare providers reported feeling "very confident" in their ability to diagnose and treat alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?
The 2022 CDC survey, which included 1500 healthcare providers from around the USA (1250 MDs and DOs, and 250 PAs and NPs), provided many surprising insights. Check out these other statistics from the survey:
42% of surveyed healthcare providers had never heard of alpha-gal syndrome
35% reported being “not too confident” in their ability to diagnose and treat AGS
67% of surveyed providers either reported not knowing how AGS was transmitted, or gave an incorrect answer to the question
48% of those who had heard of AGS did not know what test to order to diagnose it
78% had not made an AGS diagnosis in the past year
Just 6% had diagnosed or managed 5+ alpha-gal cases in the past year
Just 5% correctly answered all three basic test questions about alpha-gal syndrome
The published journal article also referenced a 2017 study which found that just 21% of people with alpha-gal syndrome received a diagnosis within their first year of symptoms; for the other 79%, it took an average of 7.1 years to be diagnosed.
The authors’ conclusions?
"This analysis indicated a low level of knowledge among U.S. HCPs [healthcare providers] regarding the diagnosis and management of AGS…” (para. 10)
“This limited provider knowledge might also lead to delayed or missed diagnosis and incorrect patient management.” (para. 11)
“…the knowledge gap found in this survey of HCPs is concerning.” (para. 13)
Read the full study here.
Looking for a doctor who is knowledgeable about alpha-gal syndrome? You have come to the right place. Dr. Roberts taught full-day Integrative Approaches to Allergy classes for years, lecturing to thousands of other providers nationwide. In 2013, her eldest daughter was diagnosed with anaphylactic alpha-gal syndrome, giving the doctor firsthand experience with the allergy. Today, alpha-gal syndrome is one of the most common conditions for which patients seek her care.
Take the first step to relief: call, text, or email to make an appointment today.
1 Carpenter A, Drexler NA, McCormick DW, et al. Health Care Provider Knowledge Regarding Alpha-gal Syndrome — United States, March–May 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:809–814. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7230a1