As a political hot button topic, talk of socialized medicine is frequent the twenty-four hour news networks these days. However, despite this prominence, I am often surprised how much of the general public does not understand what it is (and what it is not). It is hard to have a strong opinion on a subject, let alone make any votes based on that opinion, when one does not fully understand it. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to help lay out its definition and what that entails.

In a word by word definition, socialized medicine could refer to any form of healthcare with a socialistic economic system. However, in common vernacular there are some very specific meanings and connotations. In this sense, it is typically synonymous with the phrase “universal healthcare.” In this system, healthcare becomes a government offered service much like police and fire departments. It exists to serve the citizenry (although it may be extended to foreigners) as needed. The model used by many European nations serves as the stereotype for this type of medical system.

There is a common misconception that universal healthcare is free. This could not be further from the truth. It is true that there is usually no bill in exchange for services rendered. But, rather, it is paid for by tax payer money. The public still foots the bill, just not directly. Healthcare related taxes are almost always much higher in countries that use socialized medicine. However, it should be noted that the overall medical related costs may actually be lower compared to systems that are more capitalistic in nature.

Another common misconception on socialistic healthcare is that it provides poor service. Admittedly, this is true in some countries that use the system, but it is not a problem inherent to the system itself. This belief stems from the fact that the salaries of doctors and surgeons are lower than they are in the United States, so socialized medicine cannot lure the same talent. In truth, doctors and surgeons still do very well financially in most countries, usually much better than the general population so the appeal is still there for talented people to go into medicine. Also, it should be noted that by every available metric (average age, infant mortality, cancer recovery rates, disease incidence, etc), the US does not offer the best healthcare system in the world. It lags behind many European social healthcare states to a degree that might surprise many of its defenders.

Maybe the biggest misconception lies with confusion between the word socialism and communism. Many do not understand that these words are NOT synonyms. They represent very different economic systems. Communism represents a system where almost all aspects of business are government controlled. Socialism is about the greatest good for the greatest number. While certain aspects of a socialistic economy may be government run, typically the majority of the economy is still privatized.

Ultimately, there are good and bad aspects of socialized medicine depending on the eye of the beholder. I implore you to just ensure that you are informed on the subject and its possible strengths and weaknesses before getting too opinionated about it in either direction.

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http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2012/02/contraception-and-insurance-1.html
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Socialized Medicine Article from
ECFMG Info from AUA
More at USMLE

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Socialized medicine, socialism, healthcare