Outcomes research, cost containment, and the fear of health care rationing

Article Abstract:

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research was established by the 101st Congress to evaluate the outcomes of medical treatment and develop treatment guidelines. It will focus on six conditions that account for more than half of all inpatient surgeries performed: angina pectoris (severe chest pain associated with insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle); benign prostatic hypertrophy (growth of the prostate not associated with cancer); gallstones; hip arthritis; diseases of the uterus; and low back pain. Assessment teams have been successful in studying benign prostatic hypertrophy in the past four years and have worked closely with urologists in the Maine Medical Assessment Foundation. They found that patients' decisions regarding treatment are a function of individual attitudes concerning risks and benefits; thus, firm directives from physicians are unlikely to be successful. The Agency will also evaluate use patterns among hospitals to discover why costs and patients' use of hospitals vary in different regions as much as they do. Research on the outcomes of medical care holds out hope that an alternative to the rationing of care will be found. It is anticipated that the importance of patients' understanding of their treatment options will turn out to be considerable in determining which options they select. This is especially true in cases where no single correct answer can be found - in other words, in most cases. There are two reasons to anticipate that the funds needed to pay for health care allocated with patients' preferences in mind will not exceed the funds we spend for health care today. First, patients will probably select less invasive (hence, less costly) treatment. Second, it may be found that investment in large numbers of hospital beds does not actually improve mortality or morbidity. Funds for health care exist, but need reallocation. Determining reallocation patterns constitutes the challenge, but also the hope, for better health care for all Americans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Medical care, United States. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

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Technology and the allocation of resources

Article Abstract:

There are many factors contributing to the high cost of health care including inefficiency, bureaucracy, system overuse, and high physician fees. In addition, new medical technology has become a highly significant contributor to the rising cost of care. Therapeutic technology and diagnostic technology must be evaluated with respect to their contribution to the overloaded cost of health care. New technologies must be evaluated in terms of cost-benefit relationships. The health care consumer must be educated to consider these factors when choosing health care services.

Planning, Finance, Health planning, Resource allocation, Medical technology, column

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Controlling health care costs

Article Abstract:

Health care cost's is a major issue in the upcoming Presidential Elections in America and both the Presidential candidates do want to venture beyond platitudes concerning costs because they risk being accused of taking things away form the people. The views of both the presidential candidates regarding health cost are highlighted.

United States, Presidents, Presidential elections

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