The Public Health System in Germany and the U.S. – a Comparison

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Schiefelbein, Verena:
The Public Health System in Germany and the U.S. – a Comparison.
In: Schmid, Andreas ; Singh, Simone (Hrsg.): Crossing Borders - Innovation in the U.S. Health Care System. - Bayreuth : P.C.O. , 2017 . - S. 225-246 . - (Schriften zur Gesundheitsökonomie ; 84 )
ISBN 978-3-941678-63-7

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Abstract

The main goal of public health is to prevent disease and to promote health. To reach this aim, it is important not only to focus on health education, but also implement policies. Although the American and German public health systems are structured in a similar manner (federal, state, and local-components), the American system is unique in that it is particularly fragmented, with many people uninsured and health care costs which are exceptionally high. Prevention is one of the most important aspects of public health as it not only includes measures that reduce risk factors and lower the probability of acquiring a disease, it also stops the progression of a disease or reduces the consequences of the condition once it has occurred. In order to best prevent disease, one must consider the risk factors that cause diseases. This paper focuses on three risks factors: tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, and obesity. While Germany is burdened with a high prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption among adults, the United States faces a serious issue regarding the prevalence of obesity. Both countries have introduced various measures to reduce the prevalence of the risk factors. By curtailing the pervasiveness of risk factors, diseases and chronical diseases, especially, can be prevented thus minimizing health care costs resulting from medical treatment of such conditions.