Why is America's Healthcare System Broken?

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The United States is renowned for its advancements in medical technology, research, and innovation. However, despite these achievements, America's healthcare system is widely criticized by it’s citizens for being broken.

According to a Harris Poll shared with Time Magazine, more than 70% of U.S. adults feel the health care system is failing to meet their needs in at least one way.

Here are 5 Reasons people are saying our Healthcare System is broken:

1. Profit-Driven Model: One of the fundamental reasons for the broken nature of America's healthcare system is its profit-driven model. The system is primarily based on a complex network of private insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and for-profit healthcare providers. These entities often prioritize financial gain over patient well-being, leading to inflated costs, overpriced medications, and a focus on high-profit procedures rather than comprehensive, affordable care.

2. Lack of Universal Coverage: Unlike many other developed nations, the United States does not have a universal healthcare system that guarantees coverage for all its citizens. Instead, it relies on a complex web of private insurance plans, employer-sponsored coverage, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This fragmented approach leaves a significant portion of the population uninsured or underinsured, with limited access to necessary healthcare services. The absence of universal coverage perpetuates disparities and exacerbates socioeconomic inequalities in health outcomes.

3. Limited Focus on Prevention and Primary Care: The American healthcare system places a disproportionate emphasis on specialty care and expensive, high-tech interventions, often neglecting preventive measures and primary care. The fee-for-service reimbursement model incentivizes volume over value, leading to a reactive approach to healthcare rather than a proactive one. This lack of investment in preventive care and early interventions contributes to higher healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes in the long run.

4. Fragmented and Inefficient Delivery of Care: The delivery of care in the United States is characterized by fragmentation and inefficiency. Patients often face challenges in navigating a complex network of healthcare providers, specialists, and facilities. This lack of coordination and communication among different entities leads to duplicated tests, medical errors, and disjointed care. Furthermore, the lack of interoperability in health information technology systems hinders the seamless exchange of medical records, impeding continuity of care and patient safety.

5. Skyrocketing Costs: The United States spends significantly more on healthcare per capita than any other developed country, yet it fails to provide adequate coverage and access to care for all its citizens. The high cost of healthcare services, insurance premiums, and prescription drugs place a substantial burden on individuals and families. Administrative costs, expensive medical procedures, and the absence of price controls contribute to the exorbitant prices, making healthcare unaffordable for millions of Americans.

The items above are just a few of the issues with our current system.

So how do we fix the problem? Unfortunately there is no easy solution. It's pretty surprising that even Americans who have health insurance end up spending more out of pocket for their healthcare compared to people in many other wealthy countries. Things are fine for healthcare insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and certain healthcare providers who benefit from hefty profits, but it's clear that our current healthcare system is not sustainable and the income gap increases.

Do we try Universal Healthcare (being considered in Oregon)(or a mixture of Public/Private Care? Is there a successful option that can be implemented over the next few years? What are the best options? Let us know how you feel, comment on our website.

Like the info that you are receiving, if you have not already, Sign Up to receive our Newsletter at First Medical Shop or The Buzz.