Economics
Article Abstract:
It is impossible to ignore the fact that economics is now an important aspect of medicine. Public health care policy must be revamped to provide quality care, while cutting costs. In 1992, Medicare payments to physicians will be changed according to the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale. The new law is designed to help correct the disparity in remuneration for different types of medical services, and will probably increase the payments made to general practitioners and reduce the payments made to some specialties such as surgery. Medical economists are waiting to see how the provision of medical services is altered by these upcoming changes in monetary incentive for physicians. While the changes in Medicare are broad in scope, some previous legislation may provide some hint of what may be expected. Reduction in fees generally results in an increase in volume, though this increase may come from more volume within a smaller but more remunerative facet of the physician's practice. The available evidence suggests that physicians have a target income for themselves, and will alter their practice in order to attain that goal. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Economics
Article Abstract:
Lack of health insurance for one out of six Americans has established a form of health care rationing. The rise in health care costs has contributed to the decrease in physician visits for poor Americans. The costs for health care for uninsured people are shared by those with health insurance or by taxpayers. Medicaid does not cover all poor uninsured, as requirements differ in each state. Medicaid covered 69% of people with incomes below the poverty line in 1965, but only 46% in 1988. Men with AIDS were 33 times more likely to receive Medicaid. Nursing homes receive almost half of their funds from Medicaid. Businesses are concerned that rising health care costs make doing business in the United States difficult, while middle income people feel they cannot afford adequate health insurance. The poor resent their lack of access to medical care.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Economics
Article Abstract:
Encouraging more medical students to specialize in primary care will be a major factor in controlling the costs of medical care in any health care reform package. Proposals developed by the Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC) and the Council on Graduate Medical Education emphasize financial incentives to encourage medical students to choose primary care practice. The PPRC has recommended that a federal limit be set on the number of residencies for any specialty and that financial aid should be distributed primarily to those choosing primary care specialties. The Council on Graduate Medical Education's proposal includes recommendations that financial incentives be offered to medical schools, faculty and residents. In 1990, only 1/3 of the physicians in the US practiced some form of general medicine.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: