The Upshot, the New York Times site about politics, economics and everyday life, recently reported on a study of international prices for common medical services. The author addressed the dramatic cost differences between the United States and other countries.
The Times article covers data from the newest version of a price comparison guide published by the International Federation of Health Plans, a group which represents C.E.O.s of health insurers worldwide. Prices for procedures such as angioplasty, knee replacement and caesarian section in the United States are compared with those in other developed countries such as Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. Drug costs, hospital and outpatient procedure data from the study is examined. Issues driving the higher prices in the U.S., including the high compensation for health care professions and the profitability of pharmaceutical companies are covered as well.
Students in the Boston College Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program will find the issue of healthcare cost impacts both operational and policy considerations. The program curriculum addresses the causes, implications and the impact of pricing dynamics on the future of healthcare and biotech in the US and worldwide. Read the New York Times article on international costs for healthcare.
