The health care mess: a bit of history

Article Abstract:

Past successes of the U.S. health care system may have led to the problematic policy issues faced in the 1990s. Post-World War II health policies were geared toward remedying shortages in medical personnel, hospital beds, and health care expenditures. Despite the attainment of adequate health care resources, politicians, medical professionals, and hospital administrators maintained a growth-oriented mindset. Emphasis on expansion prevailed over efforts to create a balanced and equitable health care system. Public and private health insurance gave rise to for-profit health care. Cost control efforts centered on competition which was an incentive to cater to the healthiest people. Advertising and the corporate practice of medicine propelled economists, administrators, and financiers to leadership roles in the health care sector. The dilemma over financing medical care for the uninsured has become increasingly contentious. Four requisites for alleviating these health care issues are discussed.

History, Medical care, Growth, Medical policy, Health policy

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The Academic Health Center: Some Policy Reflections

Article Abstract:

There is much that academic medical centers can do to convince Americans to support public funding for these institutions. Academic medical centers are clinics and hospitals that are affiliated with a medical school. Because they receive public subsidies, they can afford to treat many poor patients. However, they cannot compete with managed care clinics that have lower costs because they limit their services. Academic medical centers must divest themselves of any financial conflict of interest and must stop operating clinics that are not needed.

Finance, Hospitals, University, University hospitals

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Universal health insurance -- let the debate resume

Article Abstract:

The Physicians' Working Group For Single-Payer National Health Insurance has once again opened the debate on a single-payer national health insurance plan in the US. They have challenged anyone who disagrees to propose a better solution to the US health care crisis. It may take years to work out, but it took almost a decade for Medicare to be implemented.

United States, Administration of Public Health Programs, National Health Insurance, Editorial, Single-payer system (Health care), Single payer system (Health care)

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