Health care in the US is expensive, but it is supposed to be the best for those who can afford it. However, a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows how little even the richest benefit. Although white citizens living in the richest 1% and 5% of counties have better health than poor, they lag behind average citizens in other countries in key areas.
The US spent 18% of GDP on health in 2018, according to Peterson-KFF. Average spending in comparable countries was only 10%. And the richest quintile in the U.S. population spends 43 percent more than the poorest, according to a 2016 study published in Health business. That explains why rich Americans are believed to receive the best care in the world.
But maybe that’s not true. The study JAMA points out, for example, that maternal mortality in the richest 1% of counties is about 10 per 100,000 births, less than half the rate in the country; but the average of the 12 developed nations is 3 per 100,000. Something similar happens with survival 30 days after suffering a heart attack.
Of course, the US is among the best in surviving breast cancer, for example. And the populations are not the same: Americans are generally fatter and more sedentary than other nationalities.
However, there is further evidence that something is wrong. Having a referral doctor would help. An official survey shows that Americans with complex conditions have on average more than 12 doctors, increasing the chances of drug interactions or ignoring patients. The situation could improve with more home visits by nurses.
Evaluation and payment of physicians based on results, rather than prescriptions and procedures, would also have results. And greater equality in health would benefit everyone, which should be evident in a pandemic.
The authors are articles for Reuters Breakingviews. Your opinions are yours. The translation, by Carlos Gomez Down, is the responsibility Five days