US patients frustrated by high costs, complicated health-care system

In a survey of 12,000 adults in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Americans were the least satisfied by their country's health-care system. According to Medical Liability Monitor (12/2007), a new Commonwealth Fund survey found that US patients had the highest out-of-pocket expenses and the greatest problem paying their medical bills, compared with those in other countries. American patients were also more likely to:

The findings suggest that other countries may have the answers for a better health-care system. "As policymakers and the public consider proposals for fundamental change, there are lessons to be learned by looking abroad," said Cathy Schoen, lead author of the survey.