Differing medicare utilization rates accross the US

Reader comment on: Health Care and Special Interests

Submitted by Lyle (United States), Mar 25, 2010 08:18

USA today had a piece showing that Atlanta does 1.5 times as many cat scans as Seattle on the Medicare population. This reinforces the Dartmouth study showing that medicine varies depending on where you live. Clearly national medical care standards are needed, it's like the issue of having someone come in once a month for a blood pressure check, versus spending $60 for a blood pressure monitor that they can take themselves and download the results to the physician, or in the future nurse practicioner. Some work should be done to demonstrate that one rate is better than the other. (Of course using equipment designed for the 3rd world rather than Cadillac equipment can also save money)

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