Review articleHigh value, cost-conscious care: An international imperative
Section snippets
Learning points
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Health care costs in the United States, which already represent nearly 18% of GDP, are continuing to rise at an unsustainable rate.
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Approximately 30% of health care costs in the U.S. are thought to be “wasted,” i.e. adding to costs without benefiting patients.
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The number of diagnostic tests per patient, including imaging studies, has risen by approximately 85% over the past decade, and the overuse of these studies must be addressed in order to provide optimal care and control costs.
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It is an
Conflict of interest statement
Dr. Hood is President of the American College of Physicians (2011–2012). She has no other conflicts of interest.
Dr. Weinberger is an employee of the American College of Physicians. He has no other conflicts of interest.
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