Americans are dissatisfied with the U.S. health care system and 82 percent think it should be fundamentally changed or completely rebuilt, according to a new survey released by The Commonwealth Fund.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission on A High Performance Health System also released a report outlining what an ideally organized U.S. health care system would look like, detailing strategies that could create that organized, efficient health care system while simultaneously improving care and cutting costs.
In the survey of more than 1,000 adults conducted by Harris Interactive, nine out of ten said they felt it was important that the two leading presidential candidates propose reform plans that would improve health care quality, ensure that all Americans can afford health care and insurance, and decrease the number of uninsured.
One in three adults report their doctors ordered a test that had already been done or recommended unnecessary treatment or care in the past two years. Additionally, adults across all income groups reported experiencing inefficient care with eight in ten saying they support efforts to improve the health system's performance with respect to access, quality and cost.
"It is clear that our health care system isn't giving Americans the health care they need and deserve," said Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis. "The disorganization and inefficiency are affecting Americans in their everyday lives, and it's obvious that people are looking for reform. With the upcoming election, there is great opportunity for our leaders to hear what the American people are saying they want from a health care system, and to respond with meaningful proposals."
In addition to respondents' overall dissatisfaction with the health care system, the survey found people are frustrated with the way they currently get health care. In fact, 47 percent of patients experienced poorly coordinated medical care in the past two years -- meaning that they were not informed about medical test results or had to call repeatedly to get them, important medical information wasn't shared between doctors and nurses, or communication between primary care doctors and specialists was poor.
Respondents pointed out the need for a more cohesive care system. Nine of 10 surveyed believe it is very important or important to have one place or doctor responsible for their primary care and for coordinating all of their care. Similarly, there was substantial public support for wider adoption of health information technology, like computerized medical records and sharing information electronically with other doctors as a means of improving patient care.
Nine of 10 adults wanted easy access to their own medical records, and thought it was important that all their doctors have such access as well.
Those surveyed also reported problems with access to health care -- nearly three out of four had a difficult time getting timely doctors' appointments, phone advice, or after-hours care without having to go to the emergency room.
Although the uninsured were the most likely to report problems getting timely care without going to the emergency room, 26 percent of adults with health insurance also said it was difficult to get same- or next- day appointments when they were sick. And 39 percent of insured adults said it was hard to get through to their doctors on the phone when they needed them.
"There is no one policy, or practice that will make our health care system run like an efficient, well-oiled machine," said Commission on A High Performance Health System Chair and Partners Health System CEO James J. Mongan, M.D. "This is going to take strong national leadership and a commitment from all of the players in our health care system, but with that and the strategies outlined in this report, real progress could be made."
