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The $5 Doctor Visit: What Americans Can Learn from South Korea’s Healthcare System
- A comparison of healthcare costs between South Korea and the US highlights the stark differences in pricing and accessibility.
- In South Korea, a neurologist visit with comprehensive tests cost about $4.50, emphasizing the affordability and efficiency of the system.
- South Korea considers healthcare as essential infrastructure, ensuring universal access through a single national health insurance system.
- The Korean system operates on a standardized pricing model, resulting in significantly lower costs for procedures like MRIs compared to the US.
- Despite similar tax rates to Americans, Koreans benefit from prioritization and efficiency in their healthcare system.
- Korean healthcare administration is streamlined, with lower administrative costs compared to the US.
- Although Korean doctors earn less than Americans, they face lower student debt and paperwork, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
- While Korea's healthcare system has challenges, such as an aging population and doctor shortages, it prioritizes managing a functioning system over creating one.
- Lessons from South Korea's healthcare system suggest that comprehensive reform is possible with political will and a shift in societal priorities.
- The experience in Korea shows that healthcare can be straightforward, affordable, and accessible, raising questions about why such a system isn't in place in the US.
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