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Medical care
in the United States is generally very high quality. The government
closely monitors medically oriented businesses and institutions.
Hospitals, clinics, medical schools, and pharmaceutical companies
must comply with government standards. Doctors,
nurses and other medical personnel must be licensed, and becoming
a medical specialist frequently entails fifteen years or more of
rigorous schooling and training. The high level of technology available
in the U.S. contributes to quality care, and the average hospital
contains millions of dollars worth of state-of-the-art equipment.
Medical and
health care is big business. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions
of dollars on research and development of new drugs, because the
financial returns on successful new drugs are even higher. Hospitals
and medical schools also spend substantial amounts on research,
knowing that new techniques and discoveries will bring them prestige,
patients, and money, while benefiting many people. The result for
consumers is ever improving quality and effectiveness of medical
care, but at the same time expensive care.
When seeking
any kind of medical assistance in the United States, there are few
free services, and most care is expensive. Unlike other countries,
there is little government sponsored health care here, except for
those over 65 years of age (Medicare), or for the poor (Medicaid).
The Insurance industry is a major influence in the business of staying
well or regaining one's good health. Obtaining some type of health insurance coverage to protect you and your family is very smart,
but expect it to be a significant monthly expense.
 
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