From what I understand from the Pinoy doctors I know and knew who are working in the US, much of the costs of edical care is due to 'defensive' medicine. Labs and other procedures that are unnecessary are done just in case patients sue their doctors and hospitals and claim that not enough was done for them. Also, doctors malpractice insurance are sky high because juries like to give millions of $ to patients, most of whom have flimsy cases to begin with. Of course, the doctor will raise their fees to cover for their insurance premiums.

I think (and I may be wrong) that if the American public is not so litigious, health care cost will come down.