I appreciate what the guy is saying, although I don't get too excited about most doctors commenting on economic and systems issues (like Zeke Emanuel).
And he does get to a really key point with this:
"A family of a 90-year-old man may demand a treatment for metastatic melanoma with the breakthrough drug ipilimumab, which, on average, extends life by less than three months, but at a cost of $158,252 per person.
A scenario where a consumer may demand any product, any service, no matter the cost, and no matter the futility of treatment, while remaining separated from the cost, is unique to the United States.
A system that allows health care providers to charge any amount without revealing price lists is equally untenable."
But these are not THE problem. THE problem is government dollars.
HERE IS AN INTERESTING FACT:
In the years between 1985 and 2013, the costs of attending university have surged 538 percent. In the same period, health care costs increased a mere 286 percent.
When you come to terms with soaring education costs, it will become clear why health care costs have. |
