U.S. ranks low again on health care quality, efficiency and equality, study finds

Reuters: "Americans spend twice as much as residents of other developed countries on healthcare, but get lower quality, less efficiency and have the least equitable system, according to a report released on Wednesday. The United States ranked last when compared to six other countries -- Britain, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand, the Commonwealth Fund report found. … Previous reports by the nonprofit Fund ... have been heavily used by policymakers and politicians pressing for healthcare reform."

"In 2007, health spending was $7,290 per person in the United States, more than double that of any other country in the survey. ... And yet Americans get less for their money, said the Commonwealth Fund's Cathy Schoen." The analysis uses five health care measures -- quality, efficiency, access to care, equity and the ability to lead long, healthy, productive lives. "Overall Britain, whose nationalized healthcare system was widely derided by opponents of U.S. healthcare reform, ranks first, the Commonwealth team found" (Fox, 6/23).