Note that in most of the rich world healthcare isn't as profit-driven as it is in the U.S., but there's still the same focus on prolonging life (rightly or wrongly).

For example, in Ontario (where @hanscasteels and I both live) hospitals receive a fixed stipend based on how many people live in the area they serve (*not* how many procedures they perform). My hospital didn't get paid anything extra for taking dramatic measures to save my life and mobility in 2021 — on the contrary, it just used up at least a few $100K of their fixed budget — but they did it all the same.

I think you're right, though, that the U.S. overtreats in some cases for financial reasons. Expensive equipment is a capital investment that needs to generate ROI. For example, the U.S. is notorious for having far more MRI machines per-capita than anywhere else. They're very expensive, and need to be used constantly to generate a revenue stream. I'm only slightly exaggerating when I say that while doctors in most of the world will order an MRI only if something very serious is suspected, U.S. hospitals will order one if you come in with a sprained ankle (provided you have enough insurance). 🙂