Tell me again how Americans overuse the health system:

[hedgehog]

I have had increasing problems with my feet the last few years. I realized this morning I must have spent well over $100 on shoe inserts, different shoe styles, even special socks. I have excellent health insurance and could have seen a podiatrist for a $20 co-pay at any time!

[former9thward]

1. I won't tell you but doctors will.

In an analysis of the estimated $700 billion that is wasted annually in our health care system, overuse … has been identified as a significant component, equaling roughly $280 billion," the authors wrote. "Our findings of the continued delivery of inappropriate care, such as the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in older men and cervical cancer screening in older women, are consistent with other studies that demonstrate the persistence of inappropriate care.

http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/health-of-the-public/20130219over-misusecarestudy.html

[SwissTony]

3. Two questions...

1) Is this the American public overusing the system or doctors overusing it?

2) Both the examples cited are screening tests. There's an argument for "early" screening (although both groups listed as "older", but that's when the problems start to appear) - prevention might be better than cure.

I've worked on a couple of RAND/modified Delphi studies on overuse and under-use of medical procedures om Europe. Both are a big problem. not just in the US.

[former9thward]

4. They both over use it.

The doctors though are forced to because they fear malpractice suits if they don't test for everything however improbable.

[SwissTony]

8. I thought of that aspect when I posed the question.

I'm an Australian living in Holland (both gave "socialised" medicine) and litigation isn't really an issue in either.

[MindPilot]

2. I know, huh? Because going to the doctor is always such a pleasant experience.

I mean, shit if I didn't have to shell out that $20 co-pay, I'd be in his office every day!

[libodem]

6. god, yes

Living the dream. Waiting room, one hour, sitting in an exam, room, one hour, exam, 5 minutes, check out 1/2 hour, $150.00, yep, livin' the dream.

[mick063]

5. Let's make this simple

A long time ago, doctors, from their private office, would send you to an independent lab for blood work or an X-Ray. No reason for these procedures unless the doctor suspected the need.

Now doctors are employed by corporations that own the laboratories or a doctor owns the testing facilities outright as part of his practice. The motive to get unrequired testing is now profit instead of need.

Instead of two X-Rays, you get six. Cha-ching!

[tblue]

7. Most people I know underuse it.

They put off going to the doctor until they are really bad off. I know only one person who might be taking advantage of his medical coverage. I say 'might' because he prolly doesn't tell me everything he and his dr. discuss. But he has mentioned getting a test or a treatment just because it wouldn't cost him anything. He cheats at a lot of things and always has and I don't think much of his character. But he's the only example of 'overuse' I can think of.

[GeorgeGist]

9. Quit the bullshit.

America has no system of healthcare.