America Spends Trillions on Healthcare, But Where Is The Value? | Opinion
Summary
U.S. healthcare spending reached $5.3 trillion in 2024, but the article argues that spending and completed services do not show whether patients’ health improves over time. It calls for stronger follow-up, medication reviews, patient education, and measures that track sustained health and daily functioning.Key Facts
- CMS reported U.S. healthcare spending of $5.3 trillion in 2024, up 7.2 percent from the prior year.
- Out-of-pocket healthcare spending increased 5.9 percent in 2024.
- The Medicare Shared Savings Program’s 2026 standards include measures for blood pressure control, diabetes management, and hospital admissions.
- The article says current measures may not show whether patients maintain improvements or understand and follow treatment plans.
- Medicare pays for chronic care management, but the author calls for broader accountability for care between appointments.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases distinguishes diabetes remission from a cure.
- The National Institute on Aging advises patients to discuss medicines with clinicians and check before stopping them.
- The author proposes tracking sustained health improvements, daily functioning, treatment understanding, and patient-chosen goals.
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