In previous posts, I reviewed (in broad terms) factors contributing to the cost of US healthcare, including hospital services and the salaries of healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurses. Two other factors loom large: diagnostic testing and medical procedures.
Put briefly, the US does more medical tests and procedures than other developed countries. These tests and procedures are performed by highly paid healthcare professionals. Often the medical devices required in these tests and procedures are expensive. It all adds up.
Of course there are reasons other than I've discussed why healthcare spending is so much higher in the US than in other developed countries. Drug costs play a role, as do high administrative costs and patient characteristics (e.g., demanding, non-compliant and obese). But these posts have covered the biggies and now it's now to explore what to do about it.
Next: What to do about the high cost of US healthcare, part I.