#healthcare expenditure

[poojascmi]

Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Rising Demand for Regenerative Medicine

The global Biodegradable Scaffold Market is estimated to be valued at US$1.02 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 18% over the forecast period of 2022 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. A) Market Overview: Biodegradable scaffolds are three-dimensional structures designed to support cell growth and tissue regeneration. These scaffolds provide a temporary framework for cells to attach and grow, ultimately promoting new tissue formation. They are used in various applications such as bone tissue engineering, wound healing, cardiovascular repair, and organ transplantation. The advantage of biodegradable scaffolds is that they eliminate the need for surgical removal since they degrade naturally in the body over time. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing demand for regenerative medicine are driving the market growth. B) Market Key Trends: One key trend observed in the biodegradable scaffold market is the rising demand for regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine aims to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues or organs by using a combination of biomaterials, cells, and growth factors. Biodegradable scaffolds play a crucial role in this field by providing a platform for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. They act as a temporary support system until the body's own cells can regenerate the tissue. For example, in bone tissue engineering, biodegradable scaffolds help stimulate new bone formation and facilitate the healing process. This trend is driven by the increasing geriatric population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in stem cell research. C) PEST Analysis: - Political: Government regulations and policies regarding the use of biodegradable materials and tissue engineering technologies can impact market growth. - Economic: The economic stability of a region influences investments in healthcare infrastructure and research and development activities in the field of regenerative medicine. - Social: The acceptance and awareness of regenerative medicine among the general population and healthcare professionals influence the adoption of biodegradable scaffolds. - Technological: Advancements in 3D printing, nanotechnology, and biomaterials have enabled the development of innovative and more effective biodegradable scaffolds. D) Key Takeaways: - The Global Biodegradable Scaffold Market Size is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 18% over the forecast period, due to increasing demand for regenerative medicine. - North America is anticipated to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the market, driven by well-established healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and supportive government initiatives. - Key players operating in the global biodegradable scaffold market include Merck KGaA, 3D Biotek LLC, Medtronic, Xanofi, Akron Biotech, Nanofiber Solutions, Vericel Corporation, NuVasive, Inc., Organogenesis, Inc., Biostage, Inc., In2Bones Global, Orthofix Medical Inc., Spine Smith, Invivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., and Onkos Surgical. These companies focus on strategic collaborations, acquisitions, and product innovations to strengthen their market position. In conclusion, the global biodegradable scaffold market is expected to witness significant growth driven by the rising demand for regenerative medicine. The use of biodegradable scaffolds in tissue engineering applications provides a promising approach for facilitating tissue regeneration and improving patient outcomes. The market is characterized by technological advancements in biomaterials and 3D printing techniques, which enable the development of more advanced and personalized scaffolds. Regionally, North America is expected to be the fastest-growing market due to favorable healthcare infrastructure and government support. Key players in the market continue to invest in research and development activities to launch innovative products and gain a competitive edge.

[wormsslime]

today i received a letter sent not by my doctor, not by my insurance, but by some company ive never heard of on a third level of separation - working for my insurance, apparnetly - that they need “detailed information” about an mri i got months ago, to see if they actually have to pay for it

a couple weeks ago i took my friend to get a covid test and we waited in the drivethrough for 45 minutes while the pharmacy techs tried to figure out why the insurance wasn’t paying for it when it was supposed to. the actual sample collection took like 3 minutes

i cannot express to you how much “everyone gets health insurance” is not the same as “everyone gets healthcare”

[rahulcmi]

Global Medical Carts Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Rising Need for Efficient Healthcare Delivery and Increasing Focus on Patient Mobility

The global Medical Carts Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3,479.2 million in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.9% over the forecast period 2022-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

A) Market Overview:

Medical carts are essential equipment used in healthcare facilities to enhance the mobility of medical devices and supplies, improving overall patient care. These carts are designed to provide easy access to medical devices, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance patient experience. Medical carts have multiple applications in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. They are used to transport and store medications, supplies, and instruments, making them crucial in delivering efficient healthcare.

B) Market Dynamics:

1. Increasing Need for Efficient Healthcare Delivery:

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with a growing focus on improving patient outcomes and experiences. Medical carts play a vital role in facilitating efficient healthcare delivery by enabling healthcare professionals to have quick and easy access to essential medical equipment and supplies. These carts help reduce the time spent searching for supplies, improving workflow efficiency and patient care.

2. Rising Focus on Patient Mobility:

With the increasing emphasis on patient-centered care, healthcare providers are prioritizing patient mobility and comfort. Medical carts equipped with advanced features such as adjustable heights, ergonomic design, and easy maneuverability allow patients to move around comfortably while receiving treatments. These carts enhance patient experience and contribute to better patient outcomes.

C) Segment Analysis:

Among the various segments in the Medical Carts Market, the powered segment is expected to dominate the market. Powered medical carts offer advantages such as easy navigation, power supply for equipment, and seamless integration with electronic health records (EHR) systems. These features make them highly desirable in healthcare facilities, leading to their dominance in the market.

D) PEST Analysis:

- Political: The political factors influencing the Medical Carts Market include government regulations regarding medical device safety and quality standards. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for market players to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical carts.

- Economic: The economic factors include the affordability and accessibility of medical carts for healthcare facilities. Economic factors also encompass the healthcare expenditure of different regions, as it determines the purchasing power of healthcare providers.

- Social: The social factors influencing the market include the increasing focus on patient-centered care and patient mobility. The evolving healthcare needs of an aging population also contribute to the demand for medical carts.

- Technological: The technological factors include advancements in medical cart design, such as integration with advanced healthcare IT systems, electronic locks, and digital displays. Technological advancements drive the adoption of medical carts by healthcare facilities.

E) Key Takeaways:

- The global Medical Carts Market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.9% over the forecast period, due to increasing need for efficient healthcare delivery and rising focus on patient mobility.

- North America is anticipated to dominate the Medical Carts Market, owing to the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure and a high level of technological advancements.

- Key players operating in the global Medical Carts Market include AFC Industries, Advantech Co., Ltd., Alphatron, Enovate Medical, Ergotron, Inc., Harloff Manufacturing Co., JACO, Inc., Medline Industries, Inc., and Scott-Clark Medical. These players focus on product innovation and strategic collaborations to strengthen their market presence and gain a competitive edge.

In conclusion, the global Medical Carts Market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing need for efficient healthcare delivery and the focus on enhancing patient mobility. Medical carts play a crucial role in improving workflow efficiency and patient outcomes, making them essential equipment in modern healthcare facilities. The market is dominated by powered medical carts, with North America leading in terms of market share. Key players in the market are adopting strategies to maintain their market presence and offer innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers.

[datainsights2022]

Household Consumption Expenditure on Health per Household in Finland (2010 - 2020, $)

Household consumption expenditure on health per household in Finland attained a value of $2,454 in 2020. It recorded a decline of 3% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Between 2010-2020, the household consumption expenditure on health per household in Finland increased by 7.9%. The indicator in Finland was highest in the year 2018 and lowest in the year 2015, between 2010 and 2020.

This indicator refers to consumption expenditure on health, per household. Data includes expenditures incurred by resident households on health, which includes spending on medical and pharmaceutical products, healthcare services (physicians, hospitals, and nursing homes), and paramedical services.

Household Consumption Expenditure on Health per Household: Global Scenario According to GlobalData, the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Israel, and Canada are the countries with the highest household consumption expenditure on health per household in 2020.

Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Mexico, and Estonia were some of the countries with the lowest household consumption expenditure on health per household in 2020.

Between 2010 and 2020, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Estonia, Poland, Latvia, Thailand, Lithuania, Israel, and Taiwan were some of the countries with the highest growth in household consumption expenditure on health per household. Cyprus, Turkey, Mexico, Greece, Norway, Canada, France, Portugal, Sweden, and Italy were some of the countries with the lowest growth in household consumption expenditure on health per household.

[universalhealthcoverageday]

What does Universal Health Coverage mean?

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure everyone receives the quality services they need, and is protected from health threats, without suffering financial hardship. It's a way of reducing poverty and increasing health security, so that no-one is left behind. This video message in support of UHC was recorded by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan for UHC Day 2015.

[healthinrealtime]

How Much are You Willing to Spend to Stay Alive?

How much is one more year worth? What am I willing to pay to survive? Why is healthcare so expensive? How do I avoid critical failure and live a healthy life without being a slave to healthcare?

We need to answer these questions because without these answers, you are living to die, not dying to live.

[discworldwitches]

[id: screenshot of a tiktok of a woman with the text: while you’re struggling to pay your rent this month I just want you to remember that israel gets subsidized housing, subsidized groceries, free healthcare, updated infrastructure because the USA and Germany has given them multi billion dollars in citizen tax money.]

this is a dangerous narrative. the “im struggling to pay my rent because of my taxes and my taxes go to subsidize cushy lives in israel” is dangerous and a short logical leap from “jews are stealing our hard earned money. the working class and poor are oppressed by jews.”

and that’s not how the money works, much of it goes towards the military and “aid packages” represent value not liquid cash (so weapons sent are represented in $$$ form.) and the state operates the way above bc ben gurion & co were socialists. plus, as far as i know, things are relatively similar to the uk with high costs of living but subsidized housing, public healthcare etc.

money from germany often does not go whatsoever into the pockets of israeli holocaust survivours (which is what it’s desiginated for as holocaust reparations (and bc companies that significantly contribute to the german GDP collaborated with nazis/used the labour of enslaved jews) ) (NOTE: it's military aid; money to compensate holocaust victims and survivors ended in 2018, which as i mentioned, did not go into individuals pockets) let alone israelis who are not survivours. many holocaust survivours living there live in poverty. there are literally videos of some picking through refuse produce.

it’s deeply heinous that palestinian american & palestinian german taxes go in part towards the weapons used to genocide palestinians including their own families. OP's post is not about that. she is not acknowledging that or really any connection between the USA and the occupation forces. instead OP is making it sound like israelis live comfortable lives with little expenditures off of the backs of american workers which is a few steps away from protocols shit at best. the idea that jews are enslaving or profitting off on those who are not jewish, especially the working class & poor, is textbook antisemitic conspiracy.

[genericpuff]

Here's your regular service reminder that $48k/year sounds like a dream come true to people who have never made a living off their art or comics before, until you factor in the following:

Cost of assistants which is out-of-pocket (some creators literally don't hire assistants because of this which makes the process of meeting their deadlines even harder)

Cost of additional tools necessary to making webtoons and meeting deadlines, such as paying for drawing software, 3D models, etc.

Cost of emergency services such as healthcare are not covered by WT, so if your health deteriorates while you're working on your comic (which it often does for many creators whose bodies are destroyed from working long hours at a desk 7 days a week), WT will not help you.

No paid vacation time, no paid sick leave, no accommodations for people with kids, disabilities, etc. meaning if you have to take time off, WT will not be covering it.

Speaking of vacation time, Webtoons ONLY pays creators for completed and submitted episodes, meaning they will not pay you for pre-production time leading up to a series release OR have your back when you have to go on hiatus. Some creators manage multiple series to make ends meet and avoid stretches of unpaid hiatuses (IIRC I believe KitTrace does this with Nevermore and Shiloh rotating on and off hiatus one at a time) and others simply have to go without pay relying solely on their Patreons and other forms of income when they go on hiatus. And, as we've seen in the past, when they return from hiatus is often up to Webtoons, not them.

That $48k is basically just an average ballpark of what Webtoons pays creators for a season of content, and for those who recall, FastPass earnings are not given to creators until they make back that payment.

It's really hard to get people to FastPass when Webtoons is deliberately not advertising your series and, in some cases, outright SABOTAGING your attempts to advertise.

I don't even know if that $48k is before or AFTER taxes, I'm assuming before considering this is a self-employment contract, meaning you likely have to put away a good few thousand for taxes depending on your state tax rate and what you're able to write off. This also includes having to track assistant expenditures for filing.

The 60-80+ hour weeks many creators are having to pull to meet their deadlines turns that $48k/year into an ASTOUNDING drum roll ... $11 - $15/hour! Which is just barely over minimum wage in many states, and absolutely 100% not a living wage in most! And that's BEST CASE scenario in which you don't pay an assistant, don't suffer any health expenses, don't pay for 3D models / software, and POSSIBLY don't pay your taxes. Yaaaaay! 😒🖕

TL : DR $48k/year hasn't been a salary worth bragging about since 2005 ESPECIALLY not for such high-demand specialized work like this, fuck you Webtoons <3

[charlesoberonn]

Why do American leftists want to emulate the healthcare systems of Canada and Europe instead of Korea, Japan, or Israel, all of which have better health outcomes with a smaller expenditure?

[machine-saint]

the thing is that a lot of arguments can't really be resolved at the meta level. you gotta go down to the object level. is X project not working because it's not funded enough, or because it's fundamentally not viable (and we should therefore defund it), or because the funds are simply misallocated and we should adjust the project but keep funding the same? you can't answer that without knowing the details about the project, of course, but knowing those details requires a lot of domain knowledge most people talking about X don't have. it's easier to make a meta-level argument by comparing it to something else ("this person is still starving even after we gave them a bite to eat, guess food doesn't help", "we need to allocate more funds to digging if we want to get out of this hole!", etc) which by virtue of having no basis in object-level knowledge can only ever be a persuasive device, not a truth-finding one

i've heard it alleged that this is part of why america gets shit outcomes on things like public infrastructure and healthcare relative to peer countries despite expenditures: republicans often use "making sure funds are allocated properly" as a codephrase to mean "removing funding entirely", so democrats abandoned that bit of rhetoric, which means that if a program isnt doing well then the only possible option is to give it more money

[vren-diagram]

The Nordic model has been characterized as follows:[16]

An elaborate social safety net, in addition to public services such as free education and universal healthcare[16] in a largely tax-funded system.[17]

Strong property rights, contract enforcement and overall ease of doing business.[18]

Public pension plans.[16]

High levels of democracy as seen in the Freedom in the World survey and Democracy Index.[19][20]

Free trade combined with collective risk sharing (welfare social programmes and labour market institutions) which has provided a form of protection against the risks associated with economic openness.[16]

Little product market regulation. Nordic countries rank very high in product market freedom according to OECD rankings.[16]

Low levels of corruption.[19][16] In Transparency International's 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden were ranked among the top 10 least corrupt of the 179 countries evaluated.[21]

A partnership between employers, trade unions and the government, whereby these social partners negotiate the terms to regulating the workplace amongst themselves, rather than the terms being imposed by law.[22][23] Sweden has decentralised wage co-ordination while Finland is ranked the least flexible.[16] The changing economic conditions have given rise to fear among workers as well as resistance by trade unions in regards to reforms.[16]

High trade union density and collective bargaining coverage.[24] In 2019, trade union density was 90.7% in Iceland, 67.0% in Denmark, 65.2% in Sweden, 58.8% in Finland, and 50.4% in Norway; in comparison, trade union density was 16.3% in Germany and 9.9% in the United States.[25] Additionally, in 2018, collective bargaining coverage was 90% in Iceland, 88.8% in Finland (2017), 88% in Sweden, 82% in Denmark, and 69% in Norway; in comparison collective bargaining coverage was 54% in Germany and 11.7% in the United States.[26] The lower union density in Norway is mainly explained by the absence of a Ghent system since 1938. In contrast, Denmark, Finland and Sweden all have union-run unemployment funds.[27]

The Nordic countries received the highest ranking for protecting workers rights on the International Trade Union Confederation 2014 Global Rights Index, with Denmark being the only nation to receive a perfect score.[28]

Sweden at 56.6% of GDP, Denmark at 51.7%, and Finland at 48.6% reflect very high public spending.[29] Public expenditure for health and education is significantly higher in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in comparison to the OECD average.[30]

Overall tax burdens as a percentage of GDP are high, with Denmark at 45.9% and both Finland and Sweden at 44.1%.[31] The Nordic countries have relatively flat tax rates, meaning that even those with medium and low incomes are taxed at relatively high levels.[32][33]

The United Nations World Happiness Reports show that the happiest nations are concentrated in Northern Europe. The Nordics ranked highest on the metrics of real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, generosity and freedom from corruption.[34] The Nordic countries place in the top 10 of the World Happiness Report 2018, with Finland and Norway taking the top spots.[35]

x

I think a lot of people are missing that the Nordic model is:

generally very friendly to businesses

composed of largely organically set standards (workers rights secured by collective bargaining and trade-unions, not by a centralized authority) (as opposed to a centralized bureaucracy)

Largely structured to provide citizens with benefits that make workforce participation easier. The ordering of the social safety net and welfare state make it relatively easy to upskill and hold a job.

[metamatar]

India spends a tiny fraction of its budget on public healthcare. Even in spending that minuscule fraction, expenditure on mental health comes last. In fact, the government encourages people to reach out to faith healers for “spiritual” treatments. The ministry of health and family welfare mentions on its website that “recent research has shown that religious practices can be helpful in curing and preventing physical and mental illnesses.” It adds, “When medical care becomes unaffordable, futile, and of no use, spiritual care is absolutely feasible, and a logical solution.”

[...] many superstitious beliefs, because long and deeply held, are also considered integral parts of religious faith and granted the protections attached to it. This is true not just within Hinduism, but also in Christian, Islamic and tribal belief systems. Superstitions begin to seem less banal particularly when they fuel prejudices prevalent within communities. Superstitious beliefs often provide legitimacy to oppression and injustice, acting as a way to maintain the status quo in a society, villainise minorities and women, or to keep people in their places. On the darker end of this spectrum are superstition-based crimes, which can involve human sacrifice and allegations of witchcraft. [...]

Where there is superstition, there is also a battle against it. But, while India has a lineage of rationalists and sceptics, the murders of its leading icons demonstrate how imperilled these figures are. Narendra Dabholkar, a rationalist who was among those demanding a stringent anti-superstition law, was assassinated in the run-up to the 2014 general elections, in which the Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi was elected prime minister. Within a year of Modi taking office, the rationalist Govind Pansare was also assassinated in Maharashtra, and another rationalist, MM Kalburgi, was assassinated in Karnataka. A police investigation found that Kalburgi’s statements made during a discussion on an anti-superstition bill were perceived as “anti-Hindu,” and had been the trigger for the attack on him.

cw: rape, graphic violence, ritual murder in the link below

[sobbingpig]

Asked AI for some lesser known weight loss tips and I’m not disappointed.

1. **Dim the Lights**: Eating in softer lighting can reduce the speed at which you consume food, giving your body more time to signal fullness.

2. **Cooler Room Temperature**: Being in a slightly cooler environment might encourage your body to burn more calories to maintain its temperature.

3. **Use Blue Plates**: Blue is said to be an appetite suppressant color, so using blue plates could help control portion sizes.

4. **Aromatherapy**: Scents like peppermint and grapefruit have been linked to decreased appetite, so consider using them to enhance your environment.

5. **Mirror Exposure**: Spend some time in front of a mirror while eating. It's believed that seeing yourself can help you be more mindful of your choices.

6. **Laugh More**: Laughter can increase calorie expenditure and reduce stress-related eating.

7. **Unplug While Eating**: Avoid screens while eating to focus on your meal and prevent mindless overeating.

8. **Chew Gum**: Chewing sugar-free gum can distract you from snacking and help control cravings.

9. **Eating with Non-Dominant Hand**: This unconventional approach can slow down eating and make you more conscious of what you're consuming.

10. **Practice Gratitude**: Taking a moment to appreciate your food can promote mindful eating and satisfaction with smaller portions.

11. **Use Smaller Utensils**: Eating with tiny utensils can lead to smaller bites and slower eating, giving your brain more time to register fullness.

12. **Brush Your Teeth After Meals**: The minty taste can signal the brain that eating is done, reducing the desire for unnecessary snacking.

13. **Eat in Front of a Mirror Naked**: This extreme approach can make you more conscious of your body and food choices, possibly affecting your portion sizes.

14. **Fidgeting**: Incorporating subtle movements like tapping your feet or twiddling your thumbs can burn additional calories throughout the day.

15. **Cold Water Swims**: Cold exposure activates brown fat, which burns calories to generate heat. Cold water swims could potentially aid in weight loss.

16. **Hula Hooping**: This childhood activity can be a fun way to engage your core muscles and burn calories.

17. **Serve Food Upside Down**: Placing your plate upside down and flipping it before eating can disrupt automatic eating habits, making you more mindful.

18. **Clench Your Fist**: Clenching your fist repeatedly before eating may help suppress appetite by activating certain nerves related to digestion.

19. **Eat Spicy Foods Upside Down**: Some suggest that eating spicy foods while hanging your head upside down can reduce hunger.

20. **Visualize Eating Before a Meal**: Imagine savoring each bite before you actually eat. This mental practice might help you eat more slowly and mindfully.

Remember, these tips can be quite unconventional and may not have substantial scientific backing. Always prioritize evidence-based methods and consult a healthcare professional before attempting extreme or unusual weight loss strategies.

[ptseti]

SACHS: DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS BEAT WAR DRUMS The US political spectrum has been described as two sides of the same coin. While the Democratic Party and the Republican Party may differ on issues like LGBTQ rights, women's rights and migration, they almost always see eye to eye on US foreign policy. This is partly what is driving up the country’s debt burden, explained economist Jeffrey Sachs several months ago on Democracy Now. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, US defence spending in 2022 accounted for almost 40 per cent of global military expenditures. That year, US military support for Ukraine required a $71 billion increase in expenditures, pushing the United States to spend more than the next ten countries combined, compared to surpassing the next nine countries in 2021. US military violence has been unleashed under various pretences to line the pockets of the military-industrial complex, a term used to describe the US military establishment as well as private companies that develop weaponry for US 'defence.' Meanwhile, the country’s infrastructure is crumbling, many cannot afford healthcare, and more than a half-million are homeless (a conservative estimate), to name a few challenges. Rather than acknowledging that its domestic situation is unravelling, that its wars have failed and that its debt burden has ballooned, the United States is doubling. It has a military presence all across Africa through its Africa Command (AFRICOM) while goading China. What's a failing empire to do? Let us know in the comments.

[datainsights2022]

Household Spending on Recreation in Thailand (2010 - 2021, $ Billion)

Household consumption expenditure on recreation in Thailand attained a value of $35 billion in 2021. It recorded a decline of 16.1% in 2021 compared to the previous year. Between 2010-2021, the household consumption expenditure on recreation in Thailand increased by 16.3%. The indicator in Thailand was highest in the year 2019 and lowest in the year 2010, between 2010 and 2021.

The amount that resident households spend on their daily necessities, such as food, clothing, housing (rent), energy, transportation, durable goods (particularly cars), health expenses, recreation, and other services, is referred to as household spending.

The indicator household consumption expenditure on recreation refers to spending on recreational activities and facilities like sports, theatre, movies, live entertainment, amusement park, museums, etc, and expenses on food and accommodation services in hotels and restaurants.

Recreational spending by consumers is closely linked to consumer spending and per capita disposable income. Spending on recreation is anticipated to rise in the coming years as both of these indicators have exponentially grown in the last decade. Recreational spending is also linked to leisure time. Consumers are increasingly inclined to spend money on recreation when leisure time increases. Recreational spending by consumers is anticipated to rise over the next few years, primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic's low beginning point in 2020. Stay-at-home directives and prohibitions on social interaction during the pandemic led to a sharp decline in recreational spending overall.

[magnetothemagnificent]

RE: not everyone should get an MRI. Getting the MRI contrast dye put in you isn't harmless! You need to have the energy to flush it out of your system and all that.

Besides, there are other ways to diagnose issues, and the more you avoid invasive (because x-rays and MRIs ARE still invasive) procedures the better.

Yep. And the operation and maintenance of these machines is expensive and highly specialized. MRIs are giant magnets and X-Ray machines have radioactive cores, which can be very dangerous if used improperly, which is why you need to have the resources to train and pay radiologists. I'm all for universal healthcare, and people who have a genuine need for these diagnostics should be able to get them, but it's absolutely reckless and irresponsible to demand that everyone gets them 'just because'. These machines use a lot of energy and for machines that use radioactive elements, are also a huge environmental concern when it comes to disposal. I shudder to think of the environmental toll of all the extra energy expenditure if everyone got MRIs and X-rays and CT scans, etc etc as regularly as going to their GP. In medicine it's all about making sure the benefit outweighs the risk.

For example, when TB was a lot more widespread in developed countries, chest x-rays were performed much more regularly because the benefit of detecting TB before it could spread and get worse outweighed the risk of radiation exposure. Now, thankfully we don't have to worry about TB as much in developed countries, so there's no need to perform regular chest x-rays in healthy patients.

Just being curious is not a valid reason to perform these tests.