Health Care System Is Unfair - 4946 Words

While excellent medical care is available in the United States, health care economics and the service delivery system present many challenges for the consumer and practitioner alike. This paper addresses four dimensions that are pivotal to the successes and failures of the system: cost, efficiency, choice and equity. The interplay of these dimensions across the canvas of health care options defines a system in flux, policymakers seeking a fair balance, and a nation in need of quality, affordable, accessible care. How do Americans pay for health care? The cost of health care in the U.S. is the highest in the world today. A higher percentage of national income, and more per capita, is spent on medical care by the United States than by†¦show more content†¦However, some characteristics are shared among all these plans. In service of cost-effectiveness, these organizations manage the financing of care delivered to members. For example, buying in bulk achieves lower prices for services from hospitals and practitioners. Efficiency and cost control are enhanced by limiting choice; members are limited to a list of approved physicians, and doctors are restricted to formularies and sanctioned procedures. Another cost-saving measure is the prevalent requirement for referral from a primary physician in order to consult a specialist. This restriction may undermine efficient service delivery, as well as access to services. Choosing a pricier plan can mitigate the restrictions on freedom of choice; however, this poses the broader issues of equity and access. Of course, the member realizes efficiency benefits in that the plan manages the delivery system: the where, what and by whom of health care. Perhaps the best example of this is the one-stop shop of the HMO. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - staff-model. Everything the member ordinarily needs is efficiently contained in a single location; caregivers and customer service, pharmacy and labs. The HMO premium is paid in advance by the plan member or the member s employer. The size of the premium is independent of the individual plan member s patternShow MoreRelatedJustice System And The United States1083 Words   |  5 Pagesis where the justice system comes in and their job is suppose to allow justice to be served. Over the years, the criminal justice system has lacked in that area according to almost half of the United States citizens. Many may ask the question, why?, but there is no definite answer for why the justice system has lacked in its area of justice. The real question is, how? How can this be changed? That is the question many American Citizens are asking. 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