Question

Describe two or more defining characteristics of the U.S. system that you believe are particularly important to bear in mind when considering the delivery of healthcare.  Explain why. Describe potential implications of these characteristics for healthcare administrators, including opportunities for change within healthcare organizations or the delivery system.

Answer 1

Ans) 1.To enable all citizens to receive health care services whenever needed--universal access
2.To deliver services that are cost-effective and meet certain pre-established standards of
quality.

- The four basic components are financing, insurance, delivery, and payment. Financing pays for the purchase of health insurance. Insurance protects the buyers of health coverage against catastrophic risks. Delivery of health care enables people to receive services covered under their health insurance plans. Payment mechanisms allow providers to receive payments for services delivered to the insured.

- These characteristics are:

1) no central governing agency; little integration and coordination

2) technology driven and focusing on acute care

3) high on cost, unequal in access, and average in outcome

4) quasi/imperfect market conditions

5) government as subsidiary to the private sector

6) market justice vs. social justice: conflict through health care

7) multiple players and balance of power

8) quest for integration and accountability.

- Efforts to set a future course for the system must rely on a joint undertaking that involves a balanced representation of the key players in health service delivery: physicians, insurance companies, employers, institutional representatives, and individual consumers.