01.04.07
The sorry state of American healthcare
It is no surprise to hear that the U.S. health care system is in shambles. Health care costs are increasing faster than wages and nearly 47 million Americans — 8 million of whom are children — are uninsured. Millions more are underinsured.
Yet, we continue to spend more on health care per person than any other country, including countries that provide health care coverage to its entire citizenry. According to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2003 alone, health spending per person was at least 24 percent higher than that of Luxembourg (the second highest spending country) and over 90 percent higher than countries considered global competitors.
But our health care system spending is not buying us superior health:
– Americans on average die at a younger age compared to the average age of death of comparable nations. Japan has the highest life expectancy.
– The U.S. infant mortality rate is 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, while Japan and Sweden have rates below 3.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
– The obesity rate among adults in the U.S. is 30.6 percent; the highest rate of developed countries. This rate is nearly 21 percent higher than the rate of the second highest country, Mexico.
Nor does it buy us better health care or more resources:
– About 70 percent of deaths and health costs in the U.S. are attributable to chronic disease, which are largely preventable. Yet, only half of recommended preventive services are provided to adults.
– The U.S. has fewer practicing physicians and nurses per 1,000 people than comparable countries.
Instead, our health care system is pushing millions of hardworking Americans into relentless financial constraints and sends thousands to early graves.
With new policy leaders, the impetus for real health reform is now: we can afford to provide every American affordable health care that emphasizes prevention, while controlling costs and maintaining individuals’ choice of doctors and plans.
pjvs said,
4 January 2007 at 8:18 pm
Its naive to think that our government (purchaser of $400.00 toilets seats, etc.) could provide health care less expensively than the private sector.
Part of our problem is that we think there’s a pill for everything, and, if there isn’t one for your malady, there soon will be, courtesy of big pharma. And it will be expensive. However, old time tested remedies are not used, because mds don’t know about them or understand them. And they might get sued for malpractice if they don’t prescribe the newest wonder drug.
And, of course, there’s our atrocious eating habits. Too much red meat, too much sugar (and high fructose corn syrup) and not enough fresh veggies.
LeisureGuy said,
4 January 2007 at 8:29 pm
The government actually already provides probably the best health care in country, and at the lowest cost, through the VA program. Conservatives hate the program, of course, because it shows what a good job the government can do if you put in place experts and let them do their stuff. There have been any number of articles on the excellent health care the VA provides and how it does it at low cost. The Bush Administration is currently trying to wreck it, since they would prefer the money go to insurance companies.
One of the things the VA is able to do is to practice long-term medicine and preventive care—something that other national health systems do as well. This can address some of the problems you mention.
R. Carrillo said,
6 January 2007 at 11:05 am
In the past 30 years, the costs of healthcare have soared in the United States. Due to rapidly escalating healthcare costs, Americans in ever increasing numbers have begun to search for alternatives that could reduce their personal out-of-pocket medical expenses. In the last few years, hundreds of thousands of Americans have chosen to become Medical Tourists.
Cost of medical and surgical procedures in Mexico is very low compared to what is paid in the United States. In most cases, the savings from their medical treatment can give people extra money for vacation. Indeed, a patient and his/her family can take a luxury vacation in a Mexican resort and pay for the trip with the savings they receive on getting their procedures in Mexico. Medical Tourism in the city of Guadalajara can certainly be a win-win proposition. While taking care of health needs at big discounts, shopping sprees, sight-seeing, cultural pursuits, and trips to nearby beaches and spas can all be arranged around a medical appointment schedule.
For more information contact http://www.surgicalcareinternational.com