Final answer:
The statement is false; an ideal US healthcare system would emphasize primary and secondary care rather than primarily focusing on tertiary care. Primary care promotes basic health services, and secondary care manages more serious conditions, which can prevent the need for expensive tertiary care.
Fasle
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the ideal US health care/health services pyramid focuses a preponderance of funding and attention on tertiary care is false. The US health care system does invest significantly in tertiary care, which includes specialized and technologically advanced medical and surgical treatments. However, an ideal health care system would place a stronger emphasis on primary and secondary care to promote overall population health and to prevent the need for more complex and expensive tertiary care.
Primary care involves basic services such as annual physical exams, immunizations, and treatment for common illnesses. Secondary care includes hospital care, specialist referrals, and some surgeries, which are designed to address more serious health issues that cannot be managed at the primary level. Adequately funding these levels of care can lead to better health outcomes and lower overall health care costs.
It is notable that in contrast to the United States, other countries often prioritize public healthcare, covering a broader segment of the population and focusing on more equal access to care, potentially leading to better mortality outcomes. Yet, these systems sometimes struggle to match the rapid access to care and innovative treatments available in the US.