Healthcare professionals assured me that the likelihood of having cancer, particularly the same type as my younger sibling, was extremely low. They downplayed the symptoms I was facing, which included shortness of breath, chest discomfort, severe fatigue, dizziness, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and unexpected weight loss. Rather than assisting me in uncovering the underlying causes of these issues, their focus seemed to be on convincing me that I was mistaken. One doctor even labeled me as paranoid, while another mocked me for being a "typical military spouse struggling with deployments," despite my extensive experience with multiple deployments.
In the United States, patients confronting health challenges often struggle with a healthcare system prioritizing profit over patient care. This unfortunate situation leaves many unable to access essential treatments and medications, resulting in deteriorating health and financial strain. Furthermore, those who are too unwell to advocate for themselves frequently feel disheartened and may ultimately give up on their attempts to secure appointments and necessary care, all while navigating the intricate landscape of insurance providers.
After the birth of our daughter, I found myself navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery while my husband was deployed overseas with the military. The medical professionals I encountered seemed to underestimate my situation, often making assumptions about my ability to cope with stress, particularly as a military spouse. Two doctors even denied my request for an X-ray, leaving me feeling unheard and unsupported.
As I juggled the demands of caring for my infant and my autistic toddler, I frequently had to take them to emergency rooms and various appointments, all while facing criticism for managing without additional help. At just 27 years old, I struggled to walk even short distances without feeling lightheaded and weak.
Despite my persistent and severe symptoms, doctors continued to dismiss my concerns, attributing them to what they deemed typical overreactions in women, often linking my health issues to the pressures of military life. This frustrating pattern persisted with each new physician I consulted.
In search of clarity regarding my health, I found myself at a clinic housed in a rundown building. The examination room left a lasting impression; I perched on a makeshift chair crafted from plywood, balanced atop two benches. At that moment, a sense of urgency gripped me as my instincts warned that inaction could lead to dire consequences. While the clinic's dismal state was troubling, my primary concern revolved around my troubling breathing difficulties and persistent dizziness. After conducting a chest X-ray, the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis and prescribed a course of antibiotics.
My experience highlighted a troubling reality: the healthcare system often overlooks critical opportunities to save lives. I consulted five different doctors throughout my journey, each offering a misdiagnosis. They attributed my symptoms to panic disorder, asthma, allergic reactions, and various other unrelated conditions.
Those responsible for my healthcare opted to prescribe a range of medications for various conditions that had been incorrectly diagnosed while I was dealing with rapidly spreading cancerous tumors. They provided treatments aimed at reducing inflammation, addressing non-existent depression and anxiety, and managing asthma, and included antibiotics like amoxicillin, allergy medications, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Despite my persistent requests for clear explanations regarding my treatment, my concerns were largely ignored.
After several months and a consultation with my sixth doctor, a woman who genuinely listened to my concerns, I could finally schedule a CT scan. The results revealed the presence of tumors, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed that I had stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer. Other medical professionals had previously dismissed the possibility of me having the same cancer as my brother, who had been diagnosed just three months earlier, arguing that I was too young and appeared to be in good health.
One of the biggest challenges facing the US healthcare system is the high number of uninsured Americans. There are several ways to expand access to health insurance, including:
- Expanding Medicaid eligibility
- Creating a public option for health insurance
- Offering subsidies to help people afford health insurance
The United States spends far more on healthcare than any other developed country. In 2020, the United States spent $3.8 trillion on healthcare, or 19.7% of GDP. This is significantly higher than the average for developed countries, which spend an average of 10.9% of GDP on healthcare. There are some ways to control the cost of care, including:
- Negotiating lower prices for prescription drugs
- Implementing price transparency measures
- Promoting value-based care
3. Improve the quality of care.
The United States has many challenges with the quality of care, including:
- High rates of preventable deaths
- Racial disparities in health outcomes
- A shortage of primary care physicians
There are some ways to improve the quality of care, including:
- Investing in preventive care
- Collecting and analyzing data on healthcare quality
- Implementing pay-for-performance programs
4. Address social determinants of health.
Social determinants of health are the factors that influence health outcomes, such as income, education, and access to healthy food and housing. There are a number of ways to address social determinants of health, including:
- Investing in early childhood education
- Raising the minimum wage
- Expanding access to affordable housing
5. Increase transparency and accountability.
The US healthcare system is complex and opaque, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about their care. There are some ways to increase transparency and accountability, including:
- Requiring healthcare providers to disclose their prices
- Making healthcare data more accessible to consumers
- Holding healthcare providers accountable for their quality of care
Revamping the US healthcare system is a complex undertaking, but ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality care is necessary. By expanding access to health insurance, controlling the cost of care, improving the quality of care, addressing social determinants of health, and increasing transparency and accountability, we can move closer to a healthcare system that works for everyone.