Thaindian News

Washington, Apr 7 (ANI): Nearly 72 percent of Americans taking part in a Commonwealth Fund survey think the country’s health care system needs change.

The survey also reveals strong support for more patient-centered care systems and innovative use of teams and information systems.

A majority of adults have concerns about access to health care systems, with 71 percent reporting problems in gaining access to needed health care.

These concerns included the inability to get timely doctors’ appointments or advice from their doctor on the phone, or to obtain after-hours care without going to the emergency department.

Also, one in five reported they or a family member ended up with an infection or complication as the health care provider made a surgical or medical mistake.

For most, the future of health care seems uncertain, with 74 percent of respondents saying they are worried they won’t receive high-quality care when needed, or that they won’t be able to afford their medical bills if they suffer a serious health problem.

“It’s not surprising that people worry about the future, given the problems they are currently experiencing in the health care system,” the Eurekalert quoted Commonwealth Fund Senior Vice President Cathy Schoen, as saying.

“Health care is too often unaffordable, hard to get when needed, and wasteful or poorly coordinated,” she added.

The survey also found that 88 percent of participants want their doctors to use electronic medical records and 92 percent believe it’s important for doctors to share information electronically with other doctors.

Many respondents said they want to use technology to manage their own health care such as making appointments online or having access to their medical records. (ANI)