Why We Should Take Advantage Of Preventive Care

It is no secret that the cost of American healthcare is becoming increasingly more expensive. However, the issue of the rising cost of healthcare and its severity needs to be recognized as a major problem. Health prices are steadily increasing in the United States, and there is no sign of it stopping. Since 1970, spending on American health care has grown 9.8%, which is a rate that is growing faster than the economy (“New Technology”.) Furthermore, health insurance premiums are also increasing at a rate five times faster than American salaries, which makes it difficult for families to afford health care coverage (Zuckerman 28). Therefore, it has become an obligation to address why the cost of American health care is soaring and to seek out a solution to lower the cost. Many would jump to the conclusion that the United States simply charges too much for their medical services, but there are deeper influences that need to be analyzed. The causes of the rising cost of health care are people not using preventive health care, the development of modern technology, and the treatments being overprescribed. A possible solution is to have preventive health care services available in clinics of low-income areas.

Financial burdens greatly limit the system’s accessibility; however, many in the U.S. are unable to fully utilize either option. Census estimates from 1999 indicate that 43 million Americans live without health insurance even though 75 percent of them have a full-time job or live in a household with at least one member working full-time (Mueller, , 5) In addition to the totally uninsured, census estimates also reveal that approximately 42 million other people in the U.S. are underinsured. This means that they have some insurance, but are still unable to afford all of their needed prescriptions, tests, visits to physicians, or hospital

There is broad evidence that Americans often do not get the care they need even though the United States spends more money per person on health care than any other nation in the world. Preventive care is underutilized, resulting in higher spending on complex, advanced diseases. Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes all too often do not receive proven and effective treatments such as drug therapies or self management services to help them more effectively manage their conditions.

Many of the uninsured or underinsured are low-income or working families. According to the Kaiser foundation, “…adults are more likely to be uninsured than children. People of color are at higher risk of being uninsured than non-Hispanic Whites” See Appendix 1 (Kaiser Foundation, n.d.). Many Americans therefore go without needed health care each year due to the cost alone. These are the people with chronic diseases that need preventative services that may prove to reduce cost in the long run. With the economy failing the added depression and stress helps to hinder good health.

An example is if someone with high blood pressure gets regular checkups, they are less likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack because they are aware of their condition.

The purpose of preventative medicine is to identify health conditions that can affect a patient's health in the future. One agency that focuses on preventative measures in the health care arena is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

America's healthcare system is extremely fragmented which contributes to limited access, poor quality and escalating costs. People are living longer due to the advancements in technology, medical deliver and technology. As the population ages, there will be more people that with chronic conditions. Pre-existing conditions and chronic health conditions contribute to the rising cost of healthcare. Some of these conditions could be prevented if caught at an early stage. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) address some of the disparities among Americans, one being preventative services. Insurance companies are now required to insure patient with a previous health condition under the ACA. Research has shown that evidence-based preventive services can

As millions of Americans suffer from the preventable illness and chronic disease, more than 75% of nation’s health spending is on treating the chronically ill people. The website

Your response is very precise, especially about levels of prevention. When it comes to health policy that is related to health promotion, I couldn’t agree more. Because with affordable act as it mention in title IV “ the act will promote prevention, wellness, and public health” for what I understand, this means people will be inform preventative care such as routine check up to be able to detect any disease in early stage. In a long run, I believe this will also be cost effective, if pt. patient will be seen routinely and disease is diagnosis, the care will be provided and the effectiveness of treatment is higher chance of being successful. For example, diabetic patient that was seen routinely, she/he was informed ahead able the

With the current healthcare system in the United States there are many people who do not have health insurance due to cost.

There is much debate as to whether a “preventative” health care is more effective and economical than a “reactive” health care system. Studies do not provide substantial evidence that preventative health care has the power to lengthen the lives of people and reduce the amount of money spent on treatment for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

I do not think we should be more concerned with the prevention of illness, but I do think that we need to incorporate it when we are treating patients. I believe if we educate the patients on how to prevent the illness for instance, if they are overweight and being treated for Diabetes, we need to explain to them what steps they can take to cure this illness. Also, treatment by itself is not a cure all but a very important part along with prevention in helping patients gets better especially since most health insurance companies offer classes and some will give you a monetary reward if you successfully complete the program. For instance, Blue Cross offers a program that will reimburse you at the end of the year when you complete a certain amount

Changes in access to health care across different populations are the chief reason for current disparities in health care provision. These changes occur for several reasons, and some of the main factors that contribute to the problem in the United States are: Lack of health insurance – Several racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and other minority groups lack adequate health insurance coverage in comparison with people who can afford healthcare insurance. The majority of these individuals are likely to put off health care or go without the necessary healthcare and medication that is needed. Lack of financial resources – Lack of accessibility to funding is a barrier to health care for a lot of people living in the United States

people can get check-ups on regular basis. It could help this people find out what they have like any Disease or condition people could be better taken care of. And

If the doctor doesn't give the patient adequate time at their appointment, most likely they won't want to come back or think they need to. Which will eventually lead to the patient to not be compliant with their medical devices or medications. Overall this could be detrimental to the patient and healthcare workers.