United States Healthcare: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

United States Healthcare: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

There is no doubt that in the United States healthcare system is broken.

While there are obviously some things we do right, there are plenty of examples of where it’s easy to see just how flawed the system really is.

From exorbitant costs, to long wait times, to increasingly poor service, you can find fault with pretty much every aspect of our current healthcare delivery system.

How did we get to this point? What can we do to fix it? This article will explore what you can expect from the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to U.S.

Faced with Financial Obstacles

With costs spiraling out of control and employers reluctant to fund plans for their employees, Americans have turned in droves to high-deductible health insurance policies.

These plans come with a lower monthly premium but feature higher out-of-pocket expenses that make it harder for sicker individuals to access care.

As a result, nearly half of all adults live paycheck to paycheck with no savings whatsoever. If a medical emergency strikes, they might not be able to afford treatment without going into debt.

According to one survey from Bankrate, 20% of adults are currently $400 or less away from being broke. Many people say that being unable to afford coverage is only one obstacle—finding an affordable plan has proven another major hurdle as well . . .

Choosing an Affordable Coverage Plan

If you have a pre existing condition such as diabetes or heart disease that requires continuous care, it is important to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who is well versed in your conditions.

By sticking with one doctor, you can ensure your continued health will be monitored by someone with whom you are comfortable. You should also ask about your PCP’s preferred health insurance company(s).

While it’s not always possible to see someone specific, showing that you have taken an interest in their career helps win over some doctors who may otherwise make things more difficult for patients seeking treatment outside of their network.

See Your Doctor

With any luck, you will never need to visit your doctor for more than a physical.

If you do, however, it is important to understand that doctors are human too.

They make mistakes from time to time so if you are going in for an operation or something serious enough that they tell you they have taken out all of your insurance then ask as many questions as possible beforehand to ensure things go smoothly.

There are plenty of other questions you can ask though. Do they recommend surgery? Do they take any medications or drugs themselves?

Is there anything else I should know about my health care provider? Be sure to go over these four questions with your doctor (or nurses) before agreeing on a treatment plan.

 What Happens After Surgery?

If you are recovering from surgery, what you do can have a huge impact on your ultimate outcome. After major surgery, many people find themselves in physical therapy because they don’t have full use of their limbs.

Unfortunately, that usually includes arm exercises which means having to hold your arms up above your head for extended periods of time.

What are some ways to avoid hurting yourself even more? Be sure to speak with your doctor about whether or not there are alternatives to physical therapy -it could save you lots of pain later on.

 To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Many people who experience chronic pain also face a number of emotional issues such as depression or anxiety.

Of course, many people with chronic pain also take prescription medications to help them manage their symptoms.

According to recent studies from a number of different sources (including Kaiser Permanente), over 70% of patients with long-term health conditions such as arthritis or heart disease are taking at least one medication for their condition.

Interestingly enough, these medications may actually be making symptoms worse than better because they don’t deal with root causes.

How to Save Money on Prescriptions?

Ask your doctor if there is a generic equivalent of your medication; if so, ask for it instead.

This will save you money at both retail and mail-order pharmacies and could even get you your medication for free. Research generics before asking for them to be prescribed; not all drugs have generic equivalents.

Generics are generally as effective as their brand-name counterparts. However, in some cases, specific side effects or contraindications can only be treated with brand-name drugs.

If that is the case with your prescription, tell your doctor what you’re concerned about when you see him or her next time.

How to Find Alternative Treatment Methods?

One of your main concerns when you hear health care is that it’s going to cost an arm and a leg.

If you already feel like you pay too much for healthcare in America, there are ways to combat that rising cost and still get quality treatment.

One good way to deal with high medical bills is by looking into alternative methods such as acupuncture or chiropractic therapy.

These services can be costly on their own—and some doctors refuse to accept insurance but they may help relieve your symptoms enough so that they no longer require medications or surgery.

Your doctor can help point you in the right direction; just make sure any new service provider accepts your insurance first.

Why Treating Mental Illness is Important?

Mental illness is a serious matter. And unfortunately it’s on the rise in America.

According to recent estimates, as many as 43.8 million Americans experience some form of mental illness each year.

Additionally, 19% of all children living in America between ages 13–18 have experienced at least one mental health disorder at some point during their young lives (1).

Mental illness is truly a widespread issue in our country that’s only getting worse with time.

In order to remedy these staggering statistics we need to start treating mental illnesses right now and addressing their underlying causes.

Once we do that we can hopefully make strides towards curing them before they become even more serious problems down the road.

Alternatives to the Traditional Inpatient Approach

An inpatient facility may not be feasible for someone who wants help with a substance abuse issue.

Some people simply aren’t comfortable in an environment where everyone else is dealing with similar problems.

Outpatient treatment allows you to go about your daily routine while also getting help managing your addiction.

Although outpatient treatment means you won’t be separated from family members, it does mean you’ll have to find time each week to attend sessions at a nearby clinic or treatment center.

Fortunately, most sessions only last a few hours each week anywhere from two to five depending on which kind of drug rehab program you choose (inpatient or outpatient).

Conclusion

Everyone wants to be healthy and live a long life. However, being sick has become a part of most American’s everyday lives.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an illness then you have enough to worry about as it is without having to worry about how you are going to pay for treatment.

Many hospitals offer payment plans but they come with high interest rates and fees that pile up quickly making them out of reach for many Americans who find themselves ill.

When all else fails there are still options available including government assistance such as Medicare and Medicaid programs along with several other private insurance companies that cover healthcare needs at affordable prices.