The most notable way the United States healthcare system differs from other wealthy nations is that it lacks universal health coverage. Different countries have put in place several strategies to ensure the accessibility of care through universal medical systems and through advanced ties between physician practices and patients who act as their medical homes. The Affordable Care Act grows the number of Americans with coverage and enhances access to care (McIntyre & Song, 2019). The U.S. ranks behind most nations on health outcomes, quality, and efficiency measures.
Additionally, the physicians face particular difficulties coordinating care, receiving timely information, and addressing administrative hassles. Another unique characteristic of the healthcare system in America is that rather than operating a national health service, whether a single-payer or a multi-payer system, the country has adopted a hybrid healthcare model. Research indicates that about 48 % of U.S. health care spending is from private funds, 20% from private enterprises, and 28% from households (Anderlini, 2018). The failure of U.S. health care is a multi-factorial and complex issue that needs a global approach.
It is the responsibility of the government of the United States of America to prevent and treat illness provide health facilities such as enough hospitals, ambulance services, health centers, and laboratories for testing purposes. America’s government should ensure that these services are within reach for every patient of the remotest corner of the country. Moreover, it is mandated to play integral roles like serving as a regulator, sponsor of applied research, a purchaser of care, and offering training and education programs for healthcare professionals. An overview of one thing that I have learned this week about the United States healthcare system is that the government spends more on healthcare per person than other wealthy countries. The higher spending is attributed to many factors like the consolidation of hospitals, resulting in a lack of competition and the inefficiencies that derive from the complexity of the nation’s healthcare system.
References
Anderlini, D. (2018). The United States health care system is sick: From Adam Smith to overspecialization. Cureus, 10(5).
McIntyre, A., & Song, Z. (2019). The U.S. Affordable Care Act: Reflections and directions at the close of a decade. PLoS medicine, 16(2). Web.