LOW HEALTH LITERACY IS VERY COMMON

Low health literacy is very common. According to a large national study, more than 1 in 3 adults in America have low health literacy. People with low health literacy may be able to read and understand a simple appointment slip or patient education pamphlet. However, they have trouble with other types of information such as the label on a pill bottle or consent documents.

Only 12% of Americans have a high level of health literacy and feel comfortable with more complex medical information or insurance documents.