Health Care In U.S.

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. 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 one self and their family is very smart, but expect it to be a significant monthly expense.