Question

Which of the following factors best explains the difference in health care spending per capita between the United States and other advanced countries? (ten points)

• A. US doctors and hospitals charge less than those in other countries.
• B. US patients visit their doctors less often than patients in other countries.
• C. US patients spend more days in hospitals than patients in other countries.
• D. US patients spend fewer days in hospitals than patients in other countries.
• E. US patients visit their doctors more often than patients in other countries.
• F. US doctors and hospitals charge more than those in other countries.

Answer 1

Option F

US doctors and hospitals charge more than those in other countries.

The United States, on a per capita basis, spends much more on health care than other developed countries; the chief reason is not greater health care utilization, but higher prices.

The higher overall health care spending in the U.S. was due mainly to higher prices, including higher drug prices, higher salaries for doctors and nurses, higher hospital administration costs and higher prices for many medical services.