Then and now: putting the patient first

Article Abstract:

A major report by the American Medical Association in 1967 lamented the growing inability of physicians to serve their patients because of rising health costs. It encouraged physicians to look for ways to become more efficient in order to control these costs. Medicare was in its infancy then. 25 years later very little has changed. This little anecdote should remind physicians that threats to their freedom are not new. That they still retain the ability to serve the best interests of their patients is a tribute to their profession.

Editorial

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Don't feel guilty - health care is better than ever

Article Abstract:

Health care quality has simultaneously improved over the years as health costs have risen, despite widely publicized negative opinions to the contrary. Doctors should feel proud that they have achieved a 40% drop in the number of heart attack fatalities since 1970, for example. The rise of medical costs from 7% of the GNP in 1970 to 14% today directly follows from such factors as the aging US population, the use of more advanced medical technologies and drugs, rising consumer demands, and a proliferation of unhealthy lifestyles.

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Health care industry, Medical care

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Cutting health care costs with minimal compromise

Article Abstract:

Half of the rise in cost of medical care may be attributed to uncontrollable factors, such as inflation and population growth, particularly for the elderly. The other half is caused by expensive treatments in intensive care. For instance, poor persons who suffer from kidney disease may receive no care until they require dialysis, and teen-aged mothers may deliver infants who need costly therapy. The Canadian system and other health care reform plans are compared.

Health care reform

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