The American health care industry has undergone such dizzying transformation since the 1960s, that many patients have lost confidence in a system they find too impersonal and ineffectual. Is their distrust justified and can confidence be restored? The author, a leading health care economist, tackles these and other key questions in the first major economic and historical investigation of the field. Focusing on the doctor-patient relationship, he begins with the era of the independently practising physician - epitomised by ...
Read More
The American health care industry has undergone such dizzying transformation since the 1960s, that many patients have lost confidence in a system they find too impersonal and ineffectual. Is their distrust justified and can confidence be restored? The author, a leading health care economist, tackles these and other key questions in the first major economic and historical investigation of the field. Focusing on the doctor-patient relationship, he begins with the era of the independently practising physician - epitomised by Marcus Welby, the beloved father figure/doctor in the 1960s television show of the same name - who disappeared with the growth of managed care. The author guides consumers in understanding the rapid developments of the health care industry and offers timely policy recommendations for reforming managed care as well as advice for patients making health care decisions. The book covers everything from start-up troubles with the first managed care organisations to attempts at government regulation to the mergers and quality control issues facing MCOs today. It also reflects on how difficult it is for patients to shop for medical care. Up until the 1970s, patients looked to autonomous physicians for recommendations on procedures and hospitals - a process that relied more on the patient's trust of the physician than on facts, and resulted in skyrocketing medical costs. Newly emerging MCOs have tried to solve the shopping problem by tracking the performance of care providers while obtaining discounts for their clients. Many observers accuse MCOs of caring more about cost than quality, and argue for government regulation. The author , however, believes that market forces can eventually achieve quality care and cost control. But first, MCOs must improve their ways of measuring provider performance, medical records must be made more complete and accessible (a task that need not compromise patient confidentiality), and patients must be willing to seek and act on information about the best care available. The author argues that patients can regain confidence in the medical system, and even come to trust MCOs, but they will need to rely on both their individual doctors and their own consumer awareness.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Size: 9x6x1; Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Shelf wear. Clean, unmarked pages. "Many governments are actively considering market-based solutions to health care inflation. My message to them is simple: before you try to emulate much of what we have done, read David Dranove."-Jerome P. Kassirer, Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good in Good dust jacket. 0691006938. Scuffs to dust jacket. Foxing (light) to the exterior edge of pages only. Pen notes throughout the book. Underlining in pen. Good overall condition otherwise. No other noteworthy defects. No writing.; 6.25 X 1 X 9.25 inches; 211 pages.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
As New in As New jacket. Like New, Text is like new, Light wear to cover from storage. Otherwise, As New 211 pages. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Business, Finance & Marketing; ISBN: 0691006938. ISBN/EAN: 9780691006932. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 1561061070.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
