Dr. Sean Flynn had a very intriguing stance on the state of healthcare in the United States. Essentially, he talked about the fact that the U.S. spends far more money per capita than any other country in the world on healthcare, yet has one of the worst systems.
What makes the system in the U.S. so bad?
The biggest reason that Dr. Flynn argued that the system the U.S. currently has is not ideal, is because of the private insurance practice. The reality is that, when someone goes to the doctor, they have no idea what a procedure is going to cost, they just simply go and give their insurance. Then, the insurance rejects the claim until finally they agree to pay a certain sum of money, and then they bill the client about 3 months later (Flynn, min 39). This concept is absurd. He mentions that no one would go to a restaurant with no prices and then be okay with them just charging you 3 months later (Flynn, min 40). Thus, the same should be true with healthcare. Why is it that the system that the U.S. currently has does not make sense in any regard, yet it continues? When looking at other countries, like Singapore, we see that they spend 13% less on their healthcare, yet have the best system in the world. What system is that? Well, they have a market-based, competitive system in which every area lists their prices for every procedure/whatever you need, so that the consumers can shop around and choose what doctor to go to for what they need. This is a system that has been incredibly successful in Singapore, and could very much be replicated in the United States - most of our economy runs this way in the first place. The main issue is that hospitals/care facilities can charge outrageous amounts because they are going to get paid regardless. There is no competition so there is no need to adapt and work to get the best procedures at the most affordable price.
What do I think?
I think Dr. Flynn makes extremely valid points. I was unaware of the many pitfalls of the current system, and honestly just thought that is the way that it has always been, and thus must remain the same way forever. Seeing a new way of doing things, a more efficient and beneficial way, is very eye-opening. I truly do believe that the practices of Singapore can and should be implemented in the United States on a much bigger scale.