Value of Investment in Health Care: Better Care, Better Lives (Executive Summary)
Authors: Advanced Medical Technology Association, American College of Cardiology, American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, Healthcare Leadership Council,National Pharmaceutical Council, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Over the past few decades, significant advances in the U.S. health care system have helped people live longer and better lives. Both mortality and disability rates have fallen consistently since the 1970's. This report endeavors to examine costs in the context of benefits received by focusing on overall improvements in health, as well as taking a specific look at four conditions (heart attack, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and stroke) that are among the most common causes of death and disability.