America’s largest medical organisation calls for root-and-branch reform of US health and endorses a single-payer financing system or a robust public alternative.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) outlines its vision in a series of policy papers titled “Better is Possible” in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Robert M. McLean, president of ACP, was blunt in his assessment of the existing US health system.

“We believe that American health care costs too much; leaves too many behind without affordable coverage; creates incentives that are misaligned with patients’ interests; undervalues primary care and under invests in public health; spends too much on administration at the expense of patient care; and fosters barriers to care for and discrimination against vulnerable individuals,” he said.

In one of the policy papers the ACP calls for the country to achieve universal insurance coverage through a move to a single payer financing healthcare system or a publicly financed coverage option with regulated private insurance.

It also recommends increased payments for primary and cognitive care services, an end of discrimination and disparities in access, eliminating workforce shortages and understanding and working to improve social determinants of health.

“We can and must imagine what a better health care system looks like and be committed to attaining it. We believe the status quo is an unsustainable model for our country and most importantly, our patients,” said Robert McLean.