Final answer:
The U.S. health care system is seen as reactive due to high treatment costs and a focus on procedures over prevention. There is evidence, however, of changing practices, such as the adoption of telemedicine and the use of AI in healthcare, pointing towards a more proactive approach. The system's private nature is unique and may factor into ongoing reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. health care system is often seen as more reactive because it typically focuses on treating illnesses after they occur rather than on prevention. Evidence suggests that high costs and a system that rewards procedures and treatments over preventive care contribute to this reactive nature. The increase in regulations to address issues like moral hazard and adverse selection, however, shows signs that changes are underway.
Efforts to improve the system include the rise of telemedicine, the incorporation of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the expanding roles of various healthcare professionals. These developments, along with the push for more efficient healthcare delivery and the creation of urgent care facilities, signal a shift toward more proactive and accessible care.
The unique aspect of the U.S. system, with private firms predominantly providing health insurance, contrasts with other high-income countries where there is greater government involvement, which may also be part of ongoing discussions to achieve better balance in the system between quality, access, and cost.