Disease Care Wastes Money and Lives

We buried my aunt last Saturday as another group of relatives gathered in a different city to bury her best friend, a cousin, at the same hour. They were two victims of chronic illness, and both had access to medical care. My aunt received treatment at one of the best medical centers in the country. I don’t know the specifics of the cousin’s care.

Chronic illness often affects several parts of the body. My aunt’s case was no exception. As each body system manifested its own crisis, the attending physician of the moment sent her to a hospital specializing in that area. I lost count of how many transfers she endured. Surely travel fatigue hastened her death.

This saga highlights the real health care debate in this country. While we read stories of people who lack access to care, my aunt had access to care that did not serve her needs, but the physicians were willing to serve because the government was willing to pay.

According to The World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. government, insurance companies, and individuals in this country spent an average of $6,096 on each person who had access to the system in 2004. Canada’s government-run universal system, in which most services are provided by private companies, spent $3,038. Canada ranked 30th in system performance among 191 nations in a 2000 WHO survey; the U.S. ranked 37th.

Though the reason for these disparities is unclear, one fact is certain: prevention and early intervention can save billions of dollars and countless lives. Florida Hospital in Orlando implemented a self-care program with a booklet and flow charts that instructed employees on how to prevent certain illnesses and when to seek professional help. The program reduced clinic and emergency room visits by $60,313 or $75.30 per person in five months.

Most health care plans in this country, even for those who have access, lack extensive coverage for prevention and early intervention. Equal access to a broken system is not the answer.

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