Avoidable Deaths in the U.S. Rise Sharply, Defying Global Trends

A new study reveals that avoidable mortality in the United States has been increasing over the past decade, contrasting with decreases in peer nations, despite the country's high health care spending.

• From 2009 to 2019, avoidable deaths in the U.S. increased by an average of 33 per 100,000 people, while the European Union and OECD countries saw decreases of 24 and 19 per 100,000, respectively.
• The study highlights systemic issues in the U.S. health care system and public policy as key drivers of worsening health outcomes, despite the nation's status as the highest health care spender per capita.
• All U.S. states experienced rising avoidable mortality during the study period, with state-level increases ranging from 5 per 100,000 in New York to nearly 100 per 100,000 in West Virginia.
• Avoidable deaths encompass both preventable conditions, such as those mitigated by vaccines or public health measures, and treatable conditions like sepsis or appendicitis, with most categories worsening in the U.S.
• Researchers aim to investigate strategies from other high-income countries that have successfully reduced avoidable deaths to help inform U.S. reforms.

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