'I don't know - who cares?' behind sky-high spending

Article Abstract:

Physicians should assume responsibility for determining the cost of medical care, since 75% of the $1 trillion spent on medical expenses goes through physicians' offices. Often, however, neither physicians, nor hospitals nor patients know the cost of medical equipment or services. Such costs should be assessed before treatment is authorized. Also, the cost of health care should be considered along with quality, risk and benefits when making medical decisions.

Analysis, Column, Practice, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs

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How deep for Medicare cuts? White House, Congress split over size of spending curbs

Article Abstract:

Balanced-budget negotiations between the White House and Congress have apparently entered a critical phase, but large differences over the level of Medicare cuts remain. Republican leaders are threatening to break off he talks unless Pres Clinton and his followers agree to deeper cuts. The American Medical Assn objects to a reliance on provider cuts, which it views as a short-term solution, to solve Medicare's long-term solvency problem.

Public Finance Activities, Budget Process, Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Care Services, Finance, Political activity, Clinton, Bill, Medical care, Economic policy, Budget, Budgeting, Budgets, Political aspects, American Medical Association, United States. Congress, Medicare

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