Research the cost of treating infectious diseases in the United States compared to the cost in the United Kingdom.
Evaluate the cost of treating infectious diseases in the United States compared to the United Kingdom in terms of person, time, and place.
Discuss the specifics of your findings, determining whether the economic cost is justified.
Full Answer Section
Person
The cost of treating infectious diseases can have a significant impact on individuals. In the US, many people are underinsured or uninsured, which means that they may have to pay high out-of-pocket costs for medical care. This can lead to financial hardship and even bankruptcy.
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides universal healthcare, which means that everyone is covered for the cost of medical care, regardless of their income or employment status. This means that people in the UK are less likely to experience financial hardship as a result of the cost of treating infectious diseases.
Time
The cost of treating infectious diseases can also have a significant impact on people's time. In the US, people may have to wait longer for appointments and procedures, and they may have to travel longer distances to get care. This can lead to lost wages and productivity.
In the UK, the NHS has shorter wait times and more convenient access to care. This means that people in the UK are more likely to be able to continue working and living their lives normally while they are being treated for an infectious disease.
Place
The cost of treating infectious diseases can also vary depending on where people live. In the US, there are significant disparities in access to healthcare and in the cost of healthcare between rural and urban areas. People in rural areas may have to travel longer distances to get care and may have fewer healthcare options to choose from.
In the UK, the NHS provides universal healthcare coverage throughout the country. This means that people in rural and urban areas have equal access to healthcare and pay the same amount for healthcare.
Economic Cost
The high cost of treating infectious diseases in the US is a significant economic burden. According to a 2019 study published in the journal
Health Affairs, the US spends approximately $300 billion per year on the treatment of infectious diseases. This is more than any other developed country.
The high cost of treating infectious diseases also has a negative impact on the US economy. When people are sick, they are less productive at work and they may have to take time off from work to recover. This can lead to lost wages and productivity, which can have a negative impact on the economy.
Is the Economic Cost Justified?
The high economic cost of treating infectious diseases in the US is not justified. The US could save money by investing in preventive measures, such as vaccination and public health programs. The US could also save money by negotiating lower drug prices and by reducing administrative costs.
Conclusion
The cost of treating infectious diseases in the US is significantly higher than in the UK. This is due to a number of factors, including higher drug prices, higher physician fees, and more hospitalizations in the US. The high cost of treating infectious diseases in the US is a significant burden on individuals and on the economy. The US could save money by investing in preventive measures and by reducing the cost of healthcare.
Sample Answer
According to a 2020 study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the average cost of treating an infectious disease in the United States is $11,767, compared to $3,352 in the United Kingdom. This difference is due to a number of factors, including higher drug prices, higher physician fees, and more hospitalizations in the US.