The US Healthcare System

What does population health focus on?

Evidence-based strategies to prevent disease, disability, and death, and to protect health.

What does population health go beyond?

Physical health and geographic boundaries—it includes all types of communities and populations.

Why is the U.S. healthcare system considered complex?

It includes multiple systems that are difficult for the average consumer to navigate

Give an example of a challenge in accessing care in the U.S. system.

To access OT (occupational therapy) or PT (physical therapy), you need a prescription.

What were the national health expenditures (NHE) in 2023?

$4.9 trillion, a 7.5% increase.

How much was the NHE per person in 2023?

$14,570 per person (17.6% of GDP).

What is the trend for health spending through 2031?

It’s expected to increase faster than GDP growth.

why did healthcare costs rise between 2013-2015

because of the creation and implementation of Affordable care Act

what is expected to slow per capita spending growth in 2026

policies such as the “Big Beautiful Bill” reducing medicare spending

what type of care is the U.S. healthcare system geared toward

treatment rather than prevention

what issue results from a treatment-focused system

continuity of care problems

what does the U.S spend heavily on compared to other countries

higher payments to hospitals and physicians

how does U.S. health spending compare to other high-income countries

the us spends twice as much

what area does the U.S. spend about average on?

social spending such as public education

Where does the U.S. rank in the world index of healthcare innovation

7

what are the pros of the U.S. healthcare system

scientific discoveries, advanced technology and low wait times

what are the cons of the U.S. healthcare system

limited primary care and poor affordability

What contradiction exists in U.S. healthcare 

the U.S. spends more on healthcare than other nations but is not healthier.

why is healthcare a powerful part of the U.S. economy?

Because of its high spending and large industry size

name major public health successes 

Vaccines, Motor vehicle safety, safer workplaces, family planning, reducing tobacco use and early screenings

What are the pros of public health investments

long-term healthcare savings,Population-wide impact,Increases life expectancy,Can be targeted for effectiveness

what are the cons of public health investments

Unclear what qualifies as public health spending,Lower profits, Competing agendas,Concerns about individual liberty