What are we teaching about indigent patients?

Article Abstract:

A woman with a fractured arm was refused surgical treatment at a private teaching hospital because she had no health insurance. Several medical students observed and were shocked by this woman's treatment. Many teaching hospitals, where most medical students are trained, do not have a mission of serving the poor. This may teach these students that it is appropriate to turn away the poor. It may also damage the doctor-patient relationship because many consumers believe that doctors are more interested in making money than in caring for the sick. These students may also learn that it is appropriate to refuse to treat people with certain diseases, such as AIDS, because many of these patients are poor. Many medical advances only benefit those who can pay for them. In the current debate over health care reform, the credibility of doctors and hospitals may be damaged by the act of patient dumping.

Personal narratives, Medical ethics

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Uncompensated hospital care: will it be there if we need it?

Article Abstract:

It is likely that there will be a continuing need for uncompensated care despite changes in the US healthcare system. Almost 40 million Americans were uninsured in 1994 and 25 million to 48 million were underinsured. Hospitals must provide uncompensated care to these patients, which is estimated to cost more than $16 billion. Several changes have impacted uncompensated care including a decline in government subsidies, the closing of many not-for-profit and public hospitals and the rise of for-profit hospitals. For-profit hospitals are less likely to provide uncompensated care.

Finance, Hospitals

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Cultural competence training in US medical schools

Article Abstract:

The US medical schools use case-based, small-group formats which explore the core cultural issues and health beliefs of various ethnic groups in cultural competence.

United States, Services information, Personnel administration, Analysis, Services, Medical colleges, Medical schools

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