what are the key factors contributing to the extremely high healthcare costs in America nowadays?



Answers:
I'm an ER Nurse and see only part of the problem. I'll list some of my observations.

Pt. (patient) is having trouble breathing- call them from the lobby but, they aren't there.find them outside smoking.spend $2000 on diagnosis, treatments and meds and they get pissed at you because they can't go outside to smoke!

Momma is 92 and her kids want the doctor to "do all you can" to save her. She is intubated, IV meds, catheter, cardiac monitor, and sent to the ICU so she can die 2 weeks from now $55,000.00

Junior fell off the bed and bumped his head. He's fine but Mom and Dad saw a kid die on "ER" last week. $1000 CT scan, lots of radiation, and Junior goes home with stickers and a popsicle.

Lardella, 43, obese depressed white female, is a "fibromyalgia victim" who needs more pain meds for the terrible pain running from her low back down her leg. (Sciatica) She's already on 16 prescription meds but wants you to "give me something to knock me out."

Jimmy Ray loves his meth. Today he overdosed and quit breathing. Momma came home from her doctors appointment and found him. She called 911 and the "ambulance drivers" came and saved him. Jimmy Ray is intubated and on a vent in the CCU for 3 days the sent to step down for a week and then to the floor for another week. He can't wait to get out so he can start "cookin again." $125,000.00.Oh, and he's also on SSI disability for "his nerves."

I love my job and enjoy taking care of my patients. I don't see many greedy people in healthcare, atleast not in the ER.

the sueing of our doctors.
greedy insurance companies
greedy doctors
greedy rehab facilities
greedy hositals

the love of money
Cost of living & civilization
because the insurance pays so little the doctors over charge to get close to what they need causing the insurance to make health care cost more.
frivolous malpractice lawsuits are a major factor.
Greed, greed, and greed.
Greed, yes, but everyone forgot the worst thing of all: Lawyers!!
The primary reason is that the government is there to pay whatever it costs for those on Medicare and Medicaid to go to a doctor or to a hospital. $25 for a single Tylenol? Sure! Uncle Sam is paying!

When there is no competition, there is no improvement in service and no improvement in technology. And you people want national health care?? Wake up!!
What Bryan did not mention is that the hospital and er have little or no chance of getting reimbursed for a big part of these cases if they don't have really good health insurance. So, to make ends meet and stay open, they charge as much as they can to the people who can pay. In a sense, then, we have 'socialized' medicine tax in the form of outrageous medical bills. You are paying for those who can't or won't pick up the tab for their high tech med care.
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