Health systems and physician behavior

We have the ability to deliver outstanding health care in the United States, but fall far short of this goal. Between the health care system we have and the system we could have, lies not just a gap, but a chasm. Change is needed in physician behavior and in the health care system. We need to consider the value (ie, = quality/cost) of the medical care delivered in this country. There are limited resources, but there is much room for improvement.

Before long-term solutions can be found to maximize the quality of medical care, we must understand the need for change and what changes need to be made, how decisions are made, how changes in physician behavior occur, and the role of health care systems in making changes occur. This article reviews these topics and introduces a broader paradigm for clinical decision-making. It is an overview for those new to the field and provides a platform for those interested in further study.