Sick & tired; reinventing the public health care system may be its only hope for survival

Article Abstract:

Central bureaucracy, competition from health maintenance organizations and loss of patients and government subsidies are placing the future of America's public health care system in jeopardy. Metropolitan public health systems, such as New York and Los Angeles, are at increased risk due to inconsistencies in political leadership and the high costs of specialty teaching programs associated with larger hospitals. Analysts suggest letting private hospitals operate public hospitals with local government maintaining partial control. Also, random case reviews by independent healthcare workers could improve the quality and efficiency of the public health care system.

Health Care and Social Assistance, Public Health Care, Community Hospitals, Economic aspects, Donations, Public health, Public opinion, Hospitals, Public, Public hospitals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Department of Health, Mercy Health Plan

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Senior surge: are you ready?

Article Abstract:

Senior participation in Medicare health maintenance organizations is set to continue growing dramatically through the mid-2000s. The number of seniors enrolled in such plans has increased more than twofold since 1992, and is forecasted to grow to comprise anywhere from 34% to 50% of the total senior population by 2007. HMOs and physicians have been forced to opt into the Medicare sector, however financially risky, because of increasing competition.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Care Services, Care and treatment, Aged, Elderly, Forecasts and trends, Health care industry, Medical care, Demographic aspects, Medicare

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The doctor is in

Article Abstract:

Parkland hospital in Dallas, TX, created a point-of-service plan called Employee Physician Office and successfully reduced its health benefit costs. The alternative insurance coverage program offers employees health maintenance organization care at the relatively low price of $82/month per family. Parkland has also found that the use of employees to give health care other employees boosts program awareness and quality.

Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, Management, Services, Health insurance, Employee benefits, Insurance, Parkland Memorial Hospital (Dallas, Texas)

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