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What We're Reading: US Healthcare System Ranked 50th of 55 in Efficiency
What we’re reading, October 4, 2016: US healthcare system is the 50th most efficient out of 55; health agencies will spend Zika funds on vaccine trials and local prevention efforts; Americans have little confidence in their healthcare decisions as 69% say they are confused by terminology.
According to the most recent Bloomberg healthcare efficiency index, America has the 50th most efficient healthcare system out of the 55 countries studied, coming ahead of Jordan, Columbia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Russia. The index, which used data from 2014, assesses life expectancy, healthcare spending per capita, and relative spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP). Hong Kong was rated as most efficient, spending an average of $2021 on healthcare per capita compared to the US average of $9403 per person.
The CDC has announced how it will spend the $1.1 billion in funds allocated for fighting Zika as part of last week’s government budget bill. According to director Tom Frieden, $350 million will be distributed to states and territories to help fight outbreaks at the local level. Some of the money will also be used to fund clinical trials of a Zika vaccine and a point-of-care diagnostic test.
A survey of US healthcare consumers found that many of them are confused by healthcare costs, plans, and terminology with 69% saying that deciphering healthcare language is a significant barrier to their decision-making. According to the report from Alegeus, the survey "clearly signals the need for significant education, tools, and support that engages and empowers consumers to take ownership and make savvier healthcare decisions."
Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
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Data Back Neoadjuvant Combo vs Chemo Alone for Early-Stage NSCLC
April 24th 2024For patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), combining neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy improves 2-year outcomes over chemotherapy alone, suggest findings of an extensive literature review and meta-analysis.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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Patient Navigation in Oncology at Heart of Priority Health White House Visit
April 24th 2024On March 27, Priority Health's president and CEO, Praveen Thadani participated in a discussion on how to expand and optimize patient navigation services in oncology care, as part of the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
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