Different regions of the world — or even of a particular country — tend to have different types of health problems and health care strengths and weaknesses. Look at the United States, for example. The Midwest and the South tend to have the highest rates of morbid obesity in the nation. The Northeast is known for female-friendly care: women get more frequent Pap smears and mammograms there than in the rest of the country.
So how does location affect the care you get (and the money you spend on health care)?
Studies from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center took a look at the connection between number of beds in hospitals and the number of folks needing a stay. You might expect to see that population determines number of hospital beds, but that isn’t always true. In areas (like large cities) where there are more hospitals and hospital beds, more people tend to be hospitalized. If you have the space available (or the testing facilities), why not use it?
Profit can also play a role in determining the care you get. If a health professional has a financial interest in a particular testing center or care facility in the area, patients may be encouraged to use those services — even though they might not need them. Even surgical procedures may not be necessary — which is why it’s always good to seek a second opinion.
Speaking of second opinions, you may find that health care professionals in an area tend to agree on treatment options for some things. Doctors who work together for a while tend to reach a consensus on how to handle certain ailments or illnesses. This phenomenon is sometimes called “surgical signatures” — researchers can observe treatment trends in different areas.
What causes “surgical signatures” to develop?
- Young doctors being mentored by more experienced doctors.
- Doctors sharing information formally or informally.
If you don’t like the health care you’re getting in your current location, don’t despair. There are lots of things you can do to make sure you’re getting the best care possible, including:
- Inform yourself about the condition and be your own advocate. Knowledge is power.
- Seek a second opinion from a doctor outside your local area. Find one who is affiliated with a different hospital if you can.
- Explore all your options — less invasive treatments, worst case scenarios, and what happens if you do nothing at all.
- Find a doctor you trust. If you feel like you’re not getting enough time and attention, it may be time to switch doctors.