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First, what are the 2 main objectives of a health delivery system? Next, what are the 10 characteristics of the U.S. health care system? Next, select 2 of the 10 characteristics identified and discuss difference and similarities with at least one other developed country.
Integration of health care: The system is increasingly moving toward integrated health networks and managed care to improve efficiency and coordination.
Partial access to care: A significant portion of the population lacks health insurance and, therefore, full access to care.
Fusion of market justice and social justice: Healthcare is viewed as both a social good that should be available to all and a market commodity that individuals should purchase.
Multiple payers and many financing mechanisms: The system is funded by a mix of private insurance (employer-sponsored and individual), out-of-pocket payments, and public programs (Medicare, Medicaid).
Power balance between various players: Various interest groups, including providers, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and policymakers, vie for influence.
Legal risks influence practice behavior: The high cost of medical malpractice insurance and the threat of lawsuits can lead providers to practice "defensive medicine," ordering extra tests and procedures.
Delivery of health care in an imperfect market: The market is imperfect because consumers (patients) have little information about the quality or cost of services and are not the primary decision-makers.
Two of the most telling characteristics of the U.S. healthcare system are its high costs and unequal access. A comparison with other developed nations like Canada and Germany highlights these differences.
The two main objectives of a health delivery system are to provide high-quality care and to manage costs efficiently. These goals often exist in a state of tension, as improving one can negatively impact the other. The ideal health system strives to deliver effective, safe, and patient-centered care while also being affordable and sustainable for the population.
The U.S. health care system is a complex and unique blend of public and private components. Its key characteristics are:
No central governing agency: The system is fragmented and lacks a single, uniform governing body.
Technology-driven and focused on acute care: The system heavily relies on advanced medical technology and focuses on treating illnesses rather than preventing them.
High on cost, unequal in access, and average in outcomes: The U.S. spends far more per capita on healthcare than any other developed nation, yet it has significant disparities in access and health outcomes that are often worse than peer countries.