U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective
In the landscape of global healthcare, the United States presents a perplexing image. With unparalleled healthcare spending, both per capita ($12,914) and as a percentage of its GDP (18.3%), the country stands apart from other high-income nations. According to a 2021 report from the Commonwealth Fund, among 11 high income countries, the United States ranks last on access to care, administrative efficiency, equity, and health care outcomes.
Also according to the same Commonwealth Report, when it comes to life expectancy—a standard measure of a nation's overall health—the U.S. lags behind its peers. What's even more alarming is that America ranks first in the undesirable categories: it has the highest death rates due to preventable or treatable conditions, the most elevated maternal and infant mortality rates, and it occupies one of the top spots in suicide rates.
To further the point, the United States has the highest rate of people with multiple chronic diseases and an obesity rate almost twice the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average. Despite high healthcare spending, Americans visit doctors less often than people in many other countries, which a problem that will be further exacerbated as the looming doctor shortage continues. According to a 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) press release, the United States could see an estimated shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. This alarming potential shortfall becomes more concerning considering the expected increase in people with chronic diseases in the coming years.
This shortfall of physicians becomes even more critical in light of demographic trends. Between 2020-2050, the amount of people who are over 50 years old is expected to grow by 61%, and during the same time, people over 50 with at least one chronic disease will nearly double, increasing from 71.522 million in 2020 to 142.66 million in 2050.
The United States find’s itself in a critical juncture, are we going to continue to be one of the worst preforming nations compared to other high-income countries while still paying the highest for our poor health care outcomes? You can only hope that something is going to change at a legislative level… you know with Pharma spending more than $373.7 million into lobbying in 2022 and health care companies spending more than $700 million in 2020…
Although the future health outlook of the nation may seem grim, there's a silver lining: up to 80% of premature heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and 40% of cancer cases, could be avoided. This prevention is possible through maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco products. Our hope rests in the power and determination of Americans to proactively engage in healthier lifestyles, which is a crucial step towards a brighter future for the health of the nation.