On the critical list. Patient, heal thyself. Policing do-it-yourself medicine: the growth of consumer power at the expense of providers requires a new approach to the regulation of health care
Managed care was seen as a solution to rises in the costs of health care during the 1980s, but this has become less true as premiums have risen. Average premium increases dropped between 1990 and 1997 and major employers joined managed care schemes. The rising costs of dugs and medical technology meant that rates rose by more than inflation in 1998. Some Minnesota companies are buying care directly and costs have risen more slowly than for managed care.
Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, United States, Health insurance
The growth of managed care networks, dwindling government aid, patient activism, the increased popularity of of herbal medicines, and home computer diagnostic aids, are combining to make patients more self-reliant. Government should allow these market forces to reform the system from within.
Medical care, Quality management, Medical care quality, Patient education
Policing do-it-yourself medicine: the growth of consumer power at the expense of providers requires a new approach to the regulation of health care
America's trend toward managed care and personal health improvement is long overdue. Government's role, even in such tightly regulated sectors as pharmaceutical development, should be limited to ensuring a competitive marketplace.
Subjects list: Economic aspects, Managed care plans (Medical care), Health care reform, Health maintenance organizations, National health insurance
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