Diagnosis: the world as it is

Article Abstract:

Ethics is concerned with acknowledging an accurate picture of reality both as it is and as it ought to be. The state of managed care health plans in 1997 is the result of complex political, demographic, sociological, economic and ethical factors. For-profit medicine is not more ethical than non-profit health plans, but federally-run programs such as Medicare spend only 3% of their funds on administrative overhead. Nurses must note the growing inequities between health care for different social segments and work to correct them.

Finance, Medicare

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The bottom line be damned!

Article Abstract:

Management emphasis in health care on making a profit, the so-called "bottom line" mentality, involves weaknesses in attitude, priorities, and behaviors. Health care costs need to be managed by administrators, while health care providers need to concentrate on practicing medicine. Priorities suffer when cutting costs becomes synonymous with cutting corners. Strong competition creates pressure to avoid ethical considerations. Health care institutions are social as well as legal entities, with social obligations.

Competition (Economics), Profit, Profits, Cover Story, Health care reform

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Managed care pure and simple

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of managed medical care does not change the ethical obligations of medical professionals. Some in the health industry continue to question the legitimacy of health maintenance organizations (HMOs), but a more substantive issue is how the industry responds to them. Profiteering causes doctors to over-treat patients, which undermines the patient- professional relationship. Many HMOs are attempting to create accountability in a high-volume, low-cost system.

Psychological aspects, Medical personnel and patient, Medical personnel-patient relations, Profiteering

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