Longevity requires policy revolution

Article Abstract:

Scientists discussed the social changes that need to accompany the increase in the elderly population at a 1995 conference. Life expectancy has increased by 25 years in this century and by 40 years over the past two centuries. This has led to fears that increased hospital care for the elderly will severely impact the federal budget. But conference attendees pointed out that denying health care to those with terminal illnesses would only reduce federal expenditures by less than one percent. There is some concern that the increase in the number of elderly as the baby boom ages would cause increases in health care spending. However, Sweden has a greater percentage of elderly and still spends less on health care than the US. The US needs to create a policy for dealing with long-term care and should also fund more research on diseases such as Alzheimer's dementia. Much of the physical decline associated with of aging can be prevented by proper diet and exercise.

Social aspects, Aged, Elderly, Longevity, Long term care

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Use of diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures in a changing health care environment

Article Abstract:

Two 1996 studies show that increases in diagnostic testing has corresponded with increases in medical procedures, however they do not indicate whether these trends represent improvement or worsening in the quality and efficacy of care. One study show that regional differences in angiography and electrocardiograms rates correspond with rates of procedures involving blood vessels. The other study shows parallel increases in paired tests and procedures, such as mammography and breast biopsy or surgery. These studies are based on administrative data rather than clinical and, as a result do not reflect effectiveness of care. The growth of managed care has led to an attempt to reduce unnecessary use of services and physicians have taken a greater role in managing care. However, how the advent of managed care will affect the costs, quality, and effectiveness of care remains unclear.

Health aspects, Editorial, Usage, Diagnosis

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Prevention and managed care: opportunities for managed care organizations, purchasers of health care, and public health agencies

Article Abstract:

Managed care organizations (MCOs), public health agencies, and purchasers of health insurance, such as employers, have the chance to work together to promote health and disease prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can play a crucial role in encouraging such cooperation, as it did in forming the Managed Care Working Group. MCOs can play an increasing role in prevention because they are caring for more and more people, they have often provided preventative services, and they are accountable to purchasers for caring for groups of people. Furthermore, MCOs may become more cost effective by promoting the health of their enrollees. Public health agencies can help MCOs with their various abilities in areas such as prevention and epidemiology. Purchasers of health care may work with public health agencies to ensure the quality of care provided by MCOs.

Management, Preventive medicine, Medicine, Preventive, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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