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I think it’s hard to compare these numbers across countries. For example, a richer country could choose to spend more on stuff that ultimately makes little dif
by vasilipupkin 8y ago
I think it’s hard to compare these numbers across countries. For example, a richer country could choose to spend more on stuff that ultimately makes little difference in outcomes. For example, fewer people per hospital room or better hospital food or shorter wait times for a non threatening disease.
- nerdponx 8y agoI'm not sure this holds up to scrutiny. Why don't other rich countries (e.g. Canada, which lets you pay for your own healthcare if you want) have this problem?
- vasilipupkin 8y agoCanada has equivalent of Medicare for all. And Canada has at least some of these problems, for example longer wait times. These long wait times don’t ultimately affect average outcomes.
- nerdponx 8y agoI think you misread my post. By "these problems" I meant "overspending on things that don't improve outcomes." But if paying for extra care is illegal in Canada then my argument doesn't work.
- vasilipupkin 8y agoBeing able to see my doctor for a health problem on short notice improves my quality of life but it probably doesn’t change outcomes as there is a very low likelihood that my problem is both life threatening and urgent. But choosing to pay doctors more to reduce wait times is not right or wrong - it’s just a different preference.
- nerdponx 8y agoMy point is that you don't see people spending extra to see private doctors in Canada despite it being a generally wealthy nation. There is more at play than the original suggestion that high spending is simply a function of being a richer nation with more money to spend on "extras" like short waiting times.
- vasilipupkin 8y agoYou do actually - Canadians sometimes go across the border to US for surgeries, etc.
- tdhoot 8y agoSource on Canada letting you pay for your own healthcare? It's usually prohibited.