Critique of Contemporary Models of Health: USA and Canada

Introduction

The US model is seen to have some strengths of its own, such as the ability to provide more choice of care. This can be beneficial to those who can pay for it. Low-income people are more likely to report inadequate access to healthcare and are at a greater risk of suffering from poor health outcomes than those with higher incomes. This lack of access is due to various factors, such as higher out-of-pocket costs, difficulty obtaining appointments, and a lack of transportation to get to appointments (Schlottmann, 2019). Additionally, while the US model is more expensive, it has a higher rate of innovation and new medical treatments due to the incentives to invest in medical research and development. Individuals can buy health insurance from a private company, which will cover any medical costs that accrue to them.

In contrast to the privatized and patchwork nature of the American healthcare system, Canada’s was publicly sponsored and universal. Canada has a greater rate of using primary health care services (Omerov et al., 2019). This is because primary care physicians in Canada enjoy higher compensation and more independence than their U.S. counterparts. The United States has a higher infant death rate, whereas Canada has a longer average life span. This data reveals that the Canadian healthcare system is superior in patient outcomes.

Advantages

Best in the world

The United States of America is home to some of the best medical research facilities in the world, including the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School. These health systems also carry out necessary research concerning medical technology and pharmaceuticals.

Brief Intervals of Waiting

Waiting periods are one of the challenges faced by the public healthcare system. This is not something that often occurs in the United States owing to many specialists and the high expense of consulting with them.

The abundance of Available Resources

The healthcare industry in the United States is highly competitive, which helps to enhance economic efficiency and the quality of available resources (Smith-Bindman et al., 2019). Although certain pharmaceutical corporations hold a monopoly on certain medications, there is still a sufficient supply for everyone.

Healthcare should be available to all people

It was previously said that all Canadian residents have access to healthcare. While this access may be more generous for citizens and permanent residents, it is still available to everyone in Canada. In an emergency, persons without health insurance can still receive care.

Reduced expenditures as a result of learning programs

Several initiatives in Canada instruct Canadians of all ages in the art of health management, with an emphasis on helping elders. Ultimately, these initiatives save money since they raise awareness among citizens and other inhabitants, leading to excellent health and fewer medical expenses.

Access to Reliable Medical Care

Canadians and visitors from other countries have access to world-class medical treatment, the country is ranked among top 30 in the world for healthcare quality.

Disadvantages

Inequality in the economy

Companies and the wealthy are prioritized in the United States healthcare system, while regular citizens are ignored. It results in lower health coverage rates for people of color and the jobless.

The Cost of Healthcare Is High

It is pointless to deny the obvious: American healthcare is too costly. For instance, one day in a California hospital will cost you more than $3,000 (Schlottmann, 2019).

Regulatory Authority American Medical Care System

The government’s role in universal healthcare will never be eliminated. Nevertheless, federal engagement in the United States is spotty. Of the total $2.3 trillion spent on various healthcare products and services, this only amounted to $470 billion (Schlottmann, 2019).

Inordinately long delays

Depending on the level of service availability in a given location and the specifics of an individual’s situation, waiting periods might be excessive. The average wait time for a medical card is three months.

Disparities in health insurance coverage

Undocumented immigrants and refugees face discrimination in the healthcare system. Furthermore, one’s immigration status typically plays a role in determining one’s eligibility for healthcare coverage in Canada.

Inadequate protection

Dental treatment, mental health care, sex reassignment surgery, and some therapies are among the services that are not universally covered in Canada.

Conclusion

Finally, different nations have adopted different approaches to health care delivery. Overall, the United States and Canada stand out from other contemporary healthcare models due to their respective managed-care systems; however, there is still a considerable need to improve and analyze both countries’ approaches. Accessibility to treatment, total health care costs and developing cutting-edge medical technology are crucial for the United States. While citizens of both nations have access to healthcare when needed, the United States’ system is more dependent on private insurance and out-of-pocket expenditures than Canada’s.

Canada has to focus more on non-medical elements like prevention and social environment to improve health outcomes and ensure everyone has access to quality health care. In collaborating to improve health outcomes, both nations will be better able to help their respective populations. Canadian healthcare is provided through a government-funded single-payer program, while a patchwork of private insurers funds American healthcare. The fact that it is paid for mainly by the government makes it more available and cost-free in Canada.

References

Omerov, P., Craftman, Å. G., Mattsson, E., & Klarare, A. (2019). Homeless persons’ experiences of health‐ and social care: A systematic integrative review. Health & Social Care in the Community, 28(1), 1-11. Web.

Schlottmann, F. (2019). Research experience in the USA. The American Health Care System, 7-9. Web.

Smith-Bindman, R., Kwan, M. L., Marlow, E. C., Theis, M. K., Bolch, W., Cheng, S. Y., Bowles, E. J., Duncan, J. R., Greenlee, R. T., Kushi, L. H., Pole, J. D., Rahm, A. K., Stout, N. K., Weinmann, S., & Miglioretti, D. L. (2019). Trends in use of medical imaging in US health care systems and in Ontario, Canada, 2000-2016. JAMA, 322(9), 843. Web.

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