Overview of the U.S. Disease-Care System

Questions and Answers

The prevalence of obesity in the United States increased from 13 percent in 1962 to 34 percent in 2008.

True

The age-adjusted Type 2 diabetes rate in the United States decreased from 1980 to 2010.

False

Drugs and surgical advances have significantly reduced the death rate in the U.S.

False

Prescription drugs are the leading cause of death in the United States.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The cost of medically prescribed drugs has been increasing at a rate slower than inflation.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of the U.S. Disease-Care System

The U.S. has the highest per capita spending on health care globally, yet ranks low in quality compared to other industrialized nations.
Rising health expenditures do not correlate with improved health outcomes or overall population health.

Increasing Rates of Chronic Diseases

The obesity rate among U.S. adults surged from 13% in 1962 to 34% in 2008.
Age-adjusted Type 2 diabetes prevalence more than doubled between 1980 and 2010, increasing from 2.5% to 6.9%.
Hypertension rates among American adults rose by 30% from 1997 to 2009.

Impact of Medications and Surgical Advances

Drug advancements have maintained steady death rates despite growing health risks.
Mortality from diabetes increased by 29% in North America from 2007 to 2010.

Lack of Primary Prevention

Current medical advancements focus on treatment rather than primary prevention, failing to improve overall health or decrease death rates.
Prescription drugs are a leading cause of mortality, ranking third behind heart disease and cancer, surpassing deaths from traffic accidents.

Rising Drug Costs and Concerns

The cost of prescription medications is rising at a pace greater than inflation, raising questions about the value received for spending.

Description

This quiz delves into the complexities of the U.S. disease-care system, examining the high health expenditures juxtaposed with poor health outcomes. It highlights the rising rates of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, the impact of medications, and the critical lack of primary prevention strategies.