Higher prices for prescription drugs, doctor visits and hospital stays contribute to higher U.S. spending on healthcare compared to other countries, a new study reports. The United States spent $5,627 per capita for healthcare in 2002 – nearly $2,000 more than the next highest spender, Switzerland, which spends $3,446 per capita for healthcare, researchers said. The study refutes the popular belief that malpractice claims are a major reason for the higher expense, researchers said. An article on the study appears in the July/August issue of the journal Health Affairs.

The United States spent $5,627 per capita for healthcare in 2002 – nearly $2,000 more than the next highest spender, Switzerland, which spends $3,446 per capita for healthcare, researchers said.

The study refutes the popular belief that malpractice claims are a major reason for the higher expense, researchers said. An article on the study appears in the July/August issue of the journal Health Affairs.