A Review of : Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: How the Performance of the U.S. Health Care System Compares Internationally

recently , I read the 2014 (Don't judge me, I know it's old, but very relevant) edition of “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: How the Performance of the U.S. Health Care System Compares Internationally” by Karen Davis, Kristof Stremikis, David Squires, and Cathy Schoen (The Commonwealth Fund). It’s eye-opening to see the U.S. spending the most per capita on health care yet consistently ranking at the bottom compared to other high-income countries. What really struck me was how access, equity, and cost remain major pain points for many Americans—even though we’re leaders in medical innovation.

Here are a few reflections and thoughts on what we could do in the coming year, focusing on some “low-hanging fruits”:

1. Strengthen Preventive and Primary Care
2. Leverage AI and Digital Tools
3. Improve Data-Sharing and Interoperability
4. Shift Toward Value-Based Care
5. Tackle Health Equity Gaps

Overall, this report underscored how important it is for us to continue pushing for improvements in cost, quality, and accessibility. While the challenges are complex, these are practical steps we can start taking right now. I’m optimistic that with the right mix of policy changes, technology, and community-based efforts, we can make meaningful strides in the next year and beyond.

here is the link to original article. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/sites/default/files/documents/___media_files_publications_fund_report_2014_jun_1755_davis_mirror_mirror_2014.pdf

Credit: Karen Davis, Kristof Stremikis, David Squires, and Cathy Schoen (2014), The Commonwealth Fund.