The American healthcare system is often considered dysfunctional for several reasons. Perhaps because there is too much profit or “players” involved, but here are some reasons why.
Lack of Universal Coverage: Unlike many other developed countries, the United States still needs a universal healthcare system. This means that most of the population lacks health insurance or has limited access to affordable healthcare. People may delay or forgo necessary medical treatment without comprehensive coverage, leading to poorer health outcomes.
Cost and Affordability: Healthcare in the United States is significantly more expensive compared to other countries. High costs can be attributed to various factors, including administrative expenses, the cost of pharmaceuticals, and the utilization of advanced medical technologies. These expenses are often passed on to patients through high insurance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses, making healthcare unaffordable for many individuals and families.
Fragmented System: The American healthcare system is highly fragmented, with multiple payers, including private insurance companies, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and self-pay patients. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, administrative complexities, and a lack of coordination among healthcare providers. It can also result in variations in care quality and limited access to certain services or specialists depending on insurance coverage.
Emphasis on Profit: The American healthcare system is profit-oriented, with private healthcare entities aiming to generate revenue. This profit motive can sometimes conflict with providing affordable and accessible healthcare to all individuals. Additionally, the high costs of medical malpractice insurance and the practice of defensive medicine (ordering unnecessary tests or procedures to avoid potential lawsuits) contribute to the overall expense of healthcare.
Lack of Preventive Care: The American healthcare system has historically focused more on treating illnesses and conditions than preventing them. While there has been a growing recognition of the importance of preventive care, such as screenings and early intervention, the system still tends to prioritize acute care over long-term preventive measures. This can result in higher costs in the long run as preventable conditions progress and require more extensive and expensive treatments.
Health Inequities: The American healthcare system faces significant disparities in access to care and health outcomes across different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Marginalized populations, including low-income individuals and communities of color, often experience barriers to accessing healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes and perpetuating health disparities.
American healthcare suffers from historical, social, political, and economic factors. Various efforts have been made to address these challenges, but comprehensive reform remains a topic of ongoing debate in the United States.