THE RISE & FALL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL EMPIRE

The Rise & Fall of the American Medical Empire

Reviewed by Salwa

Saint Joseph College

The Rise & Fall of the American Medical Empire

After reading T.R. Reid documentary, I have developed new interest in reading more of the books that address health care issues. I also looked at books that deal with solutions and came across a book titled American Medical Empire written by Robert A. Linden, MD among others.

Doctor R. Linden has practiced medicine over 30 years and experienced first-hand how the system took the wrong turn over these years. The book also examines how pharmaceutical companies play major role in the healthcare industry and how malpractice litigation has a major impact in the decision making process. This book addresses two main issues.

The shortage of primary care physicians which opens up the need for nurse practitioners

Potential solutions for the U.S. health care system.

Potential Solution for the U.S. health care system is complex and involves variety of entities and programs. Doctor Linden examines these entities and offer solution based on his experience. While the book provides much information that would not composes in two-three pages, I would like to review the most issues that impacts the health care such as malpractice, profit disadvantages, overhead administration expenses and how pharmaceutical or insurance companies dominate the health care system.

The High cost of U.S. Health Care

The author emphasis that one of the most critical problems confronting health care in the United States is cost. According to National Coalition on Health Care cites a total cost figure of $2.3 trillion for the year 2007, or approximately 16.6% of GDP. Dr. Linden states that based on Congressional Budget Office findings, these figures will continue to increase and cannot be ignored as they may eventually bankrupt the government.

Overhead and administration

Author states that study revealed 31% of our health care budget went to cover administration cost. Of the 31%, 20% was attributed to private insurance companies, which used this revenue for profit, executive salaries, advertising, marketing and bureaucratic functions such as billing, premium, claims etc. In addition, the chief executive operation (CEO) of United Healthcare earned 12.4 million in 2004. This is by far more astounding and problematic to crumpling system. The author made a strong case for this improper practices (excessive overhead cost) and used as example the neighboring Canada GDP which is far less than U.S. - approximately 16.3% ...