Surveys clearly establish that Americans are extremely dissatisfied and frustrated with the healthcare system in the United States. You likely already know the problems:
it's way too expensive
doctors don't care and don't listen
you can't get a timely appointment
the clinic treats you like cattle
the doctor always runs late
you don't know how much it costs until it's too late
the emergency room keeps you waiting in pain for hours
the doctor you want or need isn't on your insurance plan
the drug you need "isn't on the formulary"
you can't get a human on the phone to answer a simple question
health insurance is an incomprehensible maze, etc., ad nauseam
Steve Parker, M.D., shares every bit of your dissatisfaction and frustration. It doesn't have to be this way. Other wealthy countries spend half as much on healthcare yet have just as good (and often better) health outcomes and longevity. For those who are seriously interested in healthcare policy, Dr. Parker offers reform solutions that are both reasonable and respectful of our unique American culture. The author is a practicing internal medicine physician and hospitalist with over four decades of experience in the healthcare industry. Approx. 37,000 words and 120 references.