The United States Healthcare System - Case Study Example

Sick Around the World Introduction The United s healthcare system has been to intense debate and scrutiny due to several reasons. There have been concerns that the healthcare system has become dysfunctional due to rising healthcare costs. In addition, 15% of Americans do not have access to health insurance. The current system has been criticized for focusing on profits because it works on the principles of the free market. Some opponents advocate the creation of a universal healthcare system. Proponents insist that the current system needs to be made efficient in order to meet the rising problems. However the best solution for the United States is to integrate aspects of other healthcare systems in order to resolve its problems. “Sick Around the World” is a documentary that explores the US healthcare system by analyzing the models that are present in other advanced countries like UK, Switzerland, Germany, etc. This research paper argues that the Swiss and Taiwanese model needs to be integrated into the US healthcare system. Such a strategy will be beneficial since it will be an intermediary between the current free market and proposed universal healthcare model. The paper will identify the lessons that can be drawn from the Swiss, British and Taiwanese models. It will also evaluate the efficacy of the US healthcare system. Finally the problems associated with the system are discussed in an efficient and effective manner. Lessons Learned The Swiss model for healthcare holds valuable lessons for the United States in terms of curbing rising healthcare costs. Studies document that the Swiss health system utilizes a smart system that only leads to five percent administrative costs for patients. The US spends around seven percent for administrative costs. In addition, the Swiss system universally covers almost all population segments while the US has an estimated 15% people without health insurance (“Sick Around The World”). A key lesson for the US is to attain universal coverage by making it mandatory for citizens to acquire general insurance plans. Low income households in the US can become the recipients of government subsidies. In addition, the UK system holds important lessons for the United States. The current system in the United Kingdom is dubbed to be inefficient and ineffective. It is a centrally controlled system which increases expenses and taxes. A key lesson can be derived from the Taiwanese healthcare system that integrates information technology inside the industry. The US health industry needs to develop centralized patient database system that must be uniform and consistent. Taiwan has been successful in the deployment of information technologies that allow patients to have health cards that can provide information immediately to any healthcare provider in the country (“Sick Around The World”). Such a strategy leads to the streamlining and automating of the entire system by making it scalable, reliable, and flexible. US Healthcare System Efficacy The US healthcare system, despites its dysfunctional nature, appears have a number of strengths. A key element of the system is its huge investments in medical research that is supported by a network of institutions and researchers. The free market systems allows for research in an efficient and effective manner (Reid, 56). For higher income segments, the insurance plans can be the most efficient in the world. Taxpayers do not need to contribute towards the healthcare budget. This is an efficient and effective system that reduces the strain on the general public. American patients do not have to wait for long times during hospital or clinical sessions. This is an advantage because it reduces significant time for healthcare institutions (Emanuel & Fuchs, 1057). In addition, most universal healthcare systems are unable to provide quality to patients. Quality is a major issue that concerns the US healthcare system. US Healthcare Weaknesses Despite increased healthcare spending, the health indicators in the United States have not improved when compared with other developed countries. During the year 2005, the US spent an estimated 16% of its GDP on the healthcare system (Ly & McCaig, 98). Many individuals do not have access to health insurance. Over 15% of Americans do not have access to health insurance (Hall & Owings, 67). In addition, the system is plagued by a number of structural flaws and problems. The quality of healthcare is dependent upon the health insurance plans which can be problematic for many people. Some households can become bankrupt due to the staggering healthcare costs. Recommendations Healthcare reform in the United States should focus on removing bottlenecks and problems. It should take a smart approach by analyzing strengths and weaknesses of other systems. Universal coverage needs to be attained for majority of population segments in order to produce superior health outcomes. In addition, the system should focus on preventive management as the best means to attain excellence in the environment. The use of multifaceted approaches can be critical for success. Administrative costs need to be reduced through a smart and proactive approach. Basic healthcare plans should be made obligatory upon individuals. Such a system should be based upon the formulation of smart and realistic objectives. The development of a comprehensive strategy is critical for success. A basic insurance plan should be made available for all individuals. In addition, poor income segments can be subsidized by the government in a proactive and dynamic manner. Integrating information technology can help to streamline and automate the entire process. Conclusion The US healthcare system operates on the principles of the free market system. This has a number of advantages. The quality of medical research is excellent in the United States while some population segments enjoy quality of care. Taxpayers are not burdened with the task of providing universal healthcare. However the increased spending on healthcare has not improved health outcomes among the population. Further a large percentage of the population does not have access to health insurance. Some people are underinsured which can be a major problem for the country. The solution for the dysfunctional healthcare system is to create an efficient and effective model. The goal should be to reduce administrative costs while providing universal coverage. The Swiss model can be copied for the current system. A basic insurance plan should be made available for all individuals. In addition, poor income segments can be subsidized by the government in a proactive and dynamic manner. Integrating information technology can help to streamline and automate the entire process. A rational financing system is required for healthcare so that bottlenecks can be eradicated. An intermediate system should be implemented which combines features of the free market and universal healthcare system. Long term care should be provided by encouraging the citizens to make savings. Such a system can be used to create efficiency and effectiveness. Works Cited Reid, T.R. (2009). The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Health Care. Penquin Books.  Emanuel EJ, Fuchs VR. Who really pays for health care? the myth of “shared responsibility.” JAMA. 2008;299(9):1057-1059. Ly N, McCaig LF. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2000 Outpatient Department summary. Advance data from vital and health statistics; no 327. Hyattsville MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2007. Hall MJ, Owings MF. 2000 National Hospital Discharge Survey. Advance data from vital and health statistics; no 329. Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics. 2007. Reid, T.R (2008). Sick Around The World. Frontline: PBS Read More