Why the American Healthcare System Falls Short: A Deep Dive into Its Inefficiencies and Dangers

As an Australian observer, the American healthcare system often appears to be structured as a profit-driven scheme, prioritizing financial gain over the actual provision of necessary care to citizens. This system is fundamentally flawed in its approach and priorities, failing to serve the needs of sick individuals and instead benefiting the financial interests of shareholders and corporations.

The Profit Over Health Paradigm: Why the System Is Inadequate

The core issue with the American healthcare system lies in its prioritization of profits over the wellbeing of its citizens. The infrastructure is designed to maximize financial gains by restricting access to healthcare to as few people as possible, thereby increasing profits. This profit-focused mindset means that the healthcare system often neglects the needs of patients in favor of financial considerations, leading to an inadequate and ineffective service.

The health of the public is secondary to the financial health of corporations and shareholders, who are more interested in profiteering than ensuring that all citizens receive the care they need. This is particularly evident in the high costs of medical procedures, prescription drugs, and medical malpractice coverage, which further marginalize those who cannot afford these costs.

The Role of Legal and Liability Concerns in Driving Up Healthcare Costs

One of the significant contributors to the high costs of healthcare in the United States is the legal system, which imposes high liability costs on medical professionals and institutions. For example, liability insurance for some American doctors can cost twice the annual salary of a doctor in Europe. This high cost of malpractice insurance forces doctors to prescribe numerous tests and procedures to rule out rare conditions, which often aren't necessary and can lead to unnecessary procedures and costs, further straining the healthcare system.

The result is a system that demands more routine and often unnecessary checks, such as annual blood tests, colonoscopies, and breast cancer screenings. These tests may not be as prevalent or necessary in other countries, leading to disparities in healthcare quality and accessibility. Despite the significant investments in these procedures, the health outcomes do not necessarily improve, and the costs continue to rise.

The Role of Corporate Interests in Controlling the System

The American healthcare system is deeply intertwined with corporate interests, which prioritize profits over public health. The influence of these corporations extends beyond just the medical professionals and insurance companies to the broader healthcare ecosystem, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and hospitals. These entities collaborate to maintain the status quo, which often means higher costs and less accessible care for the average American.

The profit-driven nature of the system leads to an overemphasis on the financial aspects of healthcare, rather than the health and wellbeing of the citizens. For instance, the need for a middleman, such as health insurance companies, is often justified by the complex nature of healthcare, but the reality is that these companies primarily focus on profiteering through various means, such as high deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses.

The Evidence for Other Countries' Success with Socialized Healthcare

Despite the attempts to frame the American healthcare system as one with inherent benefits, there is substantial evidence that other countries have more effective and affordable healthcare systems. Countries with socialized healthcare systems, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, have demonstrated better health outcomes and lower costs. The American system, with its for-profit nature, is often described as a 'dumpsterfire,' a term that aptly describes the chaotic and inefficient nature of the system.

Individuals who continue to espouse the supposed benefits of the American healthcare system are often identified as 'healthcare shills,' individuals who work for the insurance industry or other stakeholders with vested interests in maintaining the status quo. These shills use psychological manipulation, often through social media, to control narratives and prevent the public from fully understanding the severity of the issues within the current system.

To break through the misinformation and misinformation, it is essential to consult credible resources. Books like "Deadly Spin" by Wendell Potter, a former executive of CIGNA who turned whistleblower, and the documentary 'Sicko' by Michael Moore provide in-depth insights into the flaws of the American healthcare system and the manipulation behind it. Understanding the true state of the healthcare system is crucial for advocating for real, effective change.

The American healthcare system is in urgent need of a transformation that puts the health and wellbeing of its citizens first, rather than the profits of corporations. Only by addressing the root causes of its inefficiencies and the interests it serves can meaningful improvements be made, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need and deserve.