In 2015, Jonathan Buckelew, a vibrant 34-year-old, faced a life-altering ordeal after a chiropractic neck adjustment. Unbeknownst to him, the adjustment triggered a stroke. He lost consciousness and, in the rush to the hospital, doctors failed to recognize the signs of his stroke. This critical misdiagnosis left him with locked-in syndrome, where he remains aware but unable to speak or move, expressing himself only through eye movements. In 2025, a court awarded Jonathan $75 million, recognizing this tragedy could have been avoided with timely treatment.
Jonathan’s experience highlights a serious issue in healthcare: despite knowing that prompt medical response is vital—especially for strokes—system failures can lead to disastrous outcomes. The U.S. spends significantly on healthcare research and new therapies, yet when it comes to urgent care situations like strokes and cardiac arrests, the outcomes often disappoint.
A 2024 Commonwealth Fund report emphasizes this disconnect. The U.S. ranks last among high-income countries in healthcare performance, spending nearly 20% of its GDP on health. Americans generally have shorter life expectancies than those in peer nations, frequently due to preventable conditions. Shockingly, U.S. life expectancy is over four years lower than the average of similar countries.
Research shows that swift intervention can greatly improve stroke outcomes. For instance, using clot-busting drugs and ensuring rapid transport to specialized care can save lives and reduce disabilities. Yet, many patients still face delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Why is this? Simply put, the U.S. has plenty of data showing how to improve health outcomes. What’s missing is the consistent application of this knowledge.
Here are some key issues at play:
Preventable Deaths: Despite knowing how to reduce deaths from smoking, obesity, and other conditions, many deaths still occur, particularly among marginalized communities. The Commonwealth Fund has noted that “avoidable mortality” rates are rising in some states.
Insurance Access: Many Americans still lack affordable healthcare, despite research showing that expanded access leads to better health outcomes. States that have expanded Medicaid see better health metrics than those that have not.
Data Gaps: A recent study revealed that when people delay care due to costs, their medical records become less reliable, skewing predictions and affecting care quality.
Health Disparities: Social factors like income, environment, and racism contribute heavily to health inequities. Research often focuses on treating diseases rather than addressing root causes like access to clean air and safe housing.
Journalists play a crucial role in uncovering these issues:
Explore Local Data: Local healthcare data can provide insights into what works or doesn’t in communities.
Ask Detailed Questions: Understanding who benefits from healthcare systems (or who doesn’t) is key to making meaningful improvements.
Demand Accountability: Highlight when health systems fail to follow effective practices.
Cover Broader Causes: Reporting on factors like air quality and housing can uncover vital indicators about community health.
Highlight Personal Stories: Listening to patients and caregivers can reveal where the system falls short, making the data more relatable and impactful.
Improving stroke care and reducing delays can save countless lives. If the U.S. learns from successful models and applies best practices, the benefits could extend beyond strokes to other critical health issues.
For further insights into this healthcare landscape, check out the Commonwealth Fund’s recent report and explore ongoing initiatives that aim to close the gap between evidence and practice.
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