Despite countless technological advances and the abundance of healthcare organizations popping up everywhere, be they independent clinics, hospitals, urgent cares, or otherwise, many people still don't have the ability to receive quality healthcare. This has become a concern around the world, but especially a more explicit concern for residents of the United States in recent years. In this article we will discuss the reasons that prevent access to quality healthcare and how we can overcome the many obstacles that stand in the way of providing quality healthcare to many who lack it today. Some studies have shown in recent years that the high costs of healthcare are due to the high costs of defensive medicine. “Defensive medicine” is a term best described as a way to treat a patient without the burden or worry of possible litigation should something go wrong during treatment. According to a recent survey conducted by Jackson Healthcare and Gallup, defensive medicine costs in 2009 were between $650 and $850 billion per year. Which represents approximately 26% – 34% of the average cost of healthcare in the United States? Also according to this survey, many doctors actually practiced medicine that was more "exclusive" than diagnostic treatments, for fear of controversy. 76% of physician surveys said defensive medicine reduces patient access to healthcare. Malpractice reform has been seen as a way to alleviate some of the high costs of health care and a way to stop the act of “defensive medicine.” According to the American College of Surgeons, “medical malpractice awards have reached a crisis point in many areas of the United States, thus driving many surgeons away from high-risk specialties.” In a doctor's office with... half of an article... in "Economists Against the FDA: Publications: The Independent Institute." The Independent Institute. 1 September 2010. Web. 03 March 2012. .Senger, Alyene. “Point by Point: The Case Against Obamacare.” The Foundry: Heritage Foundation's conservative politics news blog. March 1, 2012. Web. March 4, 2012. .Cowen, Tyler. “Following the money, doctors ration care.” The New York Times. December 11, 2010. Web. March 4, 2012. "Maryland Health Commission." Legislative reports. Network. 04 March 2012. .Van Heerden, Larry. “Abolish the FDA.” House. 1 March 2007. Web. 04 March. 2012. .