Who controls health care? As you have learned, the U.S. does not have a central agency to manage and govern health care delivery. Rather, multiple parties have varying responsibilities for and interests in health care delivery. Therefore, this question deserves thoughtful consideration and raises many additional questions about healthcare in the United States.
To prepare for this assignment:
- You will consider how the control of health care delivery has shifted over time from the preindustrial era until today.
- Think about the changing roles and responsibilities of various individuals and institutions, such as:
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- Physicians
- Hospitals
- Insurers/managed-care organizations
- Regulators
- Government payers (Medicare and Medicaid)
- Also, consider how the issue provides opportunities and challenges for healthcare administrators.
To complete this assignment, address the following questions:
• What are the historical forces on the healthcare delivery system, or who controls health care in the United States today? Why?
- How has this changed over time?
• What insights does this topic give you with regard to opportunities and challenges for health care administrators in today's organizations?