What Are Some Solutions to Reduce the Cost of Health Care?

The United States President Barack Obama put the subject of health care into the spotlight with the universal health care bill that passed in the House of Representatives in March 2010. People's views on health care overall range from those who believe that this bill is a disgrace and rife with problems, to others who believe that this bill has been long overdue in its passage. Whichever way you think, there can be no argument that health care in America is expensive. Solutions to reduce the cost of health care should be considered.

Technology Implementation

• A system of electronic health records between doctors, diagnostic facilities, pharmacies and hospitals would curb expenses, according to the Knowledge at Emory website. As it stands now, oftentimes, clinicians and nurses repeatedly input the same patient data into separate computer systems within one hospital system. Separate systems are used for insurance processing or between different doctors' practices. Technology could provide a more efficient and safer system whereby laboratories, specialists, clinicians and insurance companies could all access the same data. Also, a wireless handheld device for nurses would save time when visiting the patients by not having to enter and retrieve information in a paper chart.

Taking Responsibility for Our Lives

• More than 47 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to obesity, according to the American Heart Association. Being overweight can lead to a wide array of health issues, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Many times a person's bad health is self-inflicted, whether by eating unhealthy or eating too much food, by smoking and by not getting enough exercise. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that people eat the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet to keep calories down and to keep them healthier. If more Americans would follow the DASH diet, less money would be spent on treating diseases that are largely preventable. Programs can be made available to teach people how many calories they need and how they can eat better on a daily basis. In addition, perhaps health insurance premiums can be less for people who choose a healthier lifestyle.

Insurance Reforms

• Allowing insurance to be sold across state lines can save people money on their health insurance, according to "The Wall Street Journal." This would allow people who live in a heavily mandated state to buy insurance from a state with fewer restrictions. In addition, people can be choosier as to which type of coverage they would prefer. Some people may want services such as acupuncture or fertility treatments covered, where others do not. Competition would reduce some of the regulatory requirements that make insurance in some states more expensive than in others, according to "The Wall Street Journal."