The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports on 1200 health system indicators among 34 industrialized countries. The comparative findings of different countries’ health systems can identify areas for improvement and provide a model for better performance. This analysis focuses on health data from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Quality of care indicators, which are used to measure and compare the quality of health services among countries, as well as data on drug consumption and prices, MRI prices, and other resources, are also considered. Among these countries, data from the United States was significantly different in some cases compared to other countries.

Comparative studies show that the per capita number of physicians in the United States (43.2 physicians per 1000 people) is lower than other countries and lower than the median of member countries of the organization (30.3 physicians per 1000 people). The per capita number of medical consultations (visits) in this country, along with Switzerland, is also the lowest among these twelve countries, while for Germany it is twice as high. The number of hospital beds (for non-acute patients) (7.2 beds per 1000 people) is lower than the median of member countries of the organization, with New Zealand and Norway having the lowest number and Germany having the highest number. The average length of stay for non-acute treatment in the United States is 5.5 days, which is lower than the median of countries. Interestingly, the average length of stay has significantly decreased since 1980. Although the length of stay in the United States is short and the

According to the report of the Commonwealth Fund, it is likely that American adults receive at least one prescription (61%) and at least four prescribed medications (25%) regularly, more than other countries. The lowest medication use compared to the US is in Switzerland, where only two-thirds of Swiss adults receive regular prescriptions. Similarly, 30 of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States have the highest prices, with drug prices in four other countries being less than half of those in the United States. Considering the consumption and prices of medications in the US, the country’s medication expenses are also higher compared to other countries, at 897 dollars per person. Additionally, the annual real growth rate of per capita medication expenses in the US is higher than in other countries.

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The highest supply of medical imaging devices in the country is in the United States. The number of 3.34 CT scan machines and 9.25 MRI machines per million people puts the United States at the top of the list among countries. The only country that surpasses the United States with 56 CT scan machines per million people is Australia. Additionally, the usage and cost of these machines per million people is also higher in the United States compared to other countries.

The 5-year survival rate after cancer is also relatively higher in America. This rate for those who have been diagnosed with breast, colon, and cervical cancer and have survived for five years is 90.5% (the highest rate among all countries) in America and 78.5% in England (the lowest), 65.5% in America (the highest) and 51.6% in England (the lowest), 71.9% in Canada (the highest) and 59.4% in England (the lowest). Additionally, the mortality rate due to cancer is on average 23%, 19%, and 2% for each of these cancers in these countries respectively.

Health care expenditures in the United States in 2008, whether per capita or as a percentage of gross domestic product, were higher than in other countries. The per capita health care expenditure in this country is $7,538, while the next two countries, Norway and Sweden, have per capita expenditures of $5,003 and $4,627 respectively. America spends 16% of its gross domestic product on health care. This number is about 40% higher than the second highest country, France. However, the growth rate of per capita health care expenditures in America was 4.3%, slightly lower than the median of the member countries (9.3%). The breakdown of sources of financing for health care costs is also interesting. Among these countries, America has a larger share of private sector expenditures, while other countries often rely on social insurance or government-funded models. Personal expenditures are also higher in the United States compared to other countries, except for Switzerland. Overall, after comparing the

It seems that there are many forces at play in increasing healthcare expenses. Analyses of mutual benefit funds show that factors such as administrative complexities, aging population, the “defensive medicine” approach in response to malpractice lawsuits, supply and utilization rates of healthcare services, resource allocation, and use of advanced procedures and equipment all play a role. However, in the United States, which has a relatively young population compared to other industrialized countries, the rate of doctor visits and hospitalizations is low. Factors such as high prices and fragmented healthcare services lead to an increase in resources and excessive use of specialists who are not necessarily coordinated with each other.

In terms of consumption, prices and expenses of medication in different countries, attention should be paid to New Zealand. This country is the second highest in terms of medication consumption and prescriptions. A significant point about this country is the low price of medication, with prices being three times cheaper than in the United States. It seems that preferred rates, reference pricing, and similar policies can be implemented in other countries to reduce treatment expenses.

Given the high cost of treatment in the United States, attention must also be paid to the quality of care. While cancer treatment may seem to have a high quality in this country, the high rate of hospital visits for chronic diseases indicates opportunities for improving quality. With the increase in chronic diseases among the elderly population and their contribution to healthcare expenses, more effective treatment and management in primary care can lead to improved patient care and prevention of unnecessary use of scarce and expensive resources.