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Allen Malnak, M.D., Bonita Springs

This will cost more

Does America have the best health care system in the world or simply a relatively ineffective system that is the most expensive in the world?

Obviously, the system now in place fails the approximately 70 million Americans who are uninsured or under-insured.

Sadly, even many with “good” health insurance are running into problems as their coverage becomes “skimpier and skimpier and less and less comprehensive.” Co-pays and deductibles have increased, and many medically necessary treatments even for malignancies are no longer covered benefits. More than one in five Americans had a problem getting insurance to pay for a hospital, doctor or other health care in the past year, according to a recent poll by the Harvard School of Public Health.

Should our health care continue to pay for quantity of care — the number of visits and tests regardless of whether these result in health improvement, or switch to paying for the quality of care — that which produces the best outcomes and value for the patient?

It’s far better for the patient and much more cost effective to prevent illness than to treat it once complications have developed.

If the Affordable Health Care Act is tossed out, more patients will delay care. Innumerable people with pre-existing conditions will not be able to be covered. Women will continue to be charged more than men for health insurance and often will not receive preventive care. Many young adults will lose coverage. Serious illness or accidents can and will result in bankruptcy.

via Letter: This will cost more » Naples Daily News.

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