American physicians' tendency to test too much and do too much is a major force in the rapid diffusion of medical technology. To manage medical technology humanely and responsibly, we must establish a basis for assessing the benefits and costs that will enable us to make rational coverage and payment decisions. We must also devise a means of holding providers of care accountable for weighing the benefits and costs in using the technology.
With federal action on major health reform set to take place in 1994, a recent survey of 1,200 adults found major gaps in Americans' understanding of what the problems are or how major legislative proposals would address them. While the public is primarily concerned about how health reform will affect them personally, their current lack of knowledge heightens the impact that political advertising, media coverage, and public education campaigns will have.
Many of the nation's governors are moving from short-term cost cures of the 1980s to sweeping health reform laws. States' ability to remain flexible in how they undertake reform remains a critical concern to governors as they size up the Clinton health plan, especially its call for a national budget.
Senate Republicans agree with President Clinton that the nation must insure its citizens and control spiraling health costs. But those goals can't be achieved through costly new mandates that will thwart economic growth or regulatory burdens that impair quality. Here's how that balance can be struck.
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：