The Strategic Importance of US Based Medical Care
An interesting case in point regarding the concerns of the trending towards “Socialized Medicine” in America. One of the major points of medicine in the United States it that it is still profit driven to a great degree. This is true , however on the other hand there is feedback in the system leading to better care. If I do not like the level of care – many patients can reason – I can go to another doctor / hospital / care provider. The system is rewarded or punished for good or poor service levels or good or poor value. There is a feedback system in check. Poor performers or poor providers are punished.
It is true that many patients who are in dire straights are not given a choice. They are deathly ill or without other access and must take what they are given.
In spite of its apparent costs the beauty of the American system is that is available. Costs are what they are , however when oil sheiks need treatment – and money is no object – where do they run – its to the US. Its not even to “private British hospitals ” nowadays.
Hence the American medical system remains an escape valve . If a patient in dire straights in behind the ques in a country with socialized or limited medical care he or she can always go to the States for treatment. Money has limited value if you are dead or in no shape to enjoy its mettle.
The interesting thing is that although Canada is held up as a model of available medical care with a socialized medical care system that when major political figures – not even the wealthy , have serious illness , its to the US that they run in a snap. This is so widely reported and so common , Canadians ( who may well be in a treatment ques for an extended period for serious or debilitating medical illness ) do not even bat an eye towards this and question it. Nothing much that can be done when it comes to the slowness of the medical system and all its bureaucracies .
Thus in spite of its failing , high costs etc the value of the American medical system , among other paradoxes is that it remains a good safety valve – available always when needed and in addition providing pressure as a good example in point to other less available or efficient medical systems of the world.
TheSpec.com – Local – Hotline will find you family doctor – A doctor shortage exists partly because in past years there were not enough students taken into medical schools to make up for those who were retiring. Also, Ontario’s population has grown, among other factors. …
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