The U.S. has the worst healthcare system in the world, according to a study on global health systems from a Washington based foundation, USA Today reported.
Experts from the Commonwealth Fund found that when it comes to "efficiency, equity and outcomes," America's healthcare system- the most expensive in the world- is the worst. The report highlights that although the U.S. has made steps towards improving the system, sick Americans are continuously denied coverage because they do not have access to health insurance.
"Among the 11 nations studied in this report- Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States- the U.S. ranks the last, as it did in the 2010, 2007, 2006, and 2004 editions," according to the report.
On the other hand, the UK's National Health Service topped the list as the world's best healthcare system.
Even though Americans spend the most on medical care, they are less healthy than those in the report's 10 other countries, NBC News reported. A contributing factor seems to be that low-incomed Americans don't have access to a doctor when sick.
"The U.S. ranks a clear last on measures of equity. Americans with below-average incomes were much more likely than their counterparts in other countries to report not visiting a physician when sick; not getting a recommended test, treatment, or follow-up care; or not filling a prescription or skipping doses when needed because of costs," according to the report.
The report was based on data that was collected before the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, went into effect. Before it was passed, both Democrats and Republicans agreed that healthcare reform was needed in light of previous worrisome health reports. But the act was later attacked by Republicans who thought it would ruin an already efficient system, according to NBC News.
Future studies may reflect the effects of Obamacare, which in time will "encourage the efficient organization and delivery of health care, as well as investment in important preventive and population health measures," according to the report.
