Review by Choice Review
A comprehensive and reasonably current examination of the many approaches used over the past 15 years to contain health-care costs in the US. Chapters trace the evolution of both public and private policy since 1970; examine specific provider payment-reform strategies attempted to control Medicare and Medicaid expenditures; describe major state wide rate-setting programs; and analyze private-sector efforts to encourage employee well-being. Other chapters review historic trends in costs and develop conclusions about short- and long-term effects of specific approaches on level of expenditures, hospital costs in particular, care of the poor, and quality of care. The work concludes with a summary of major lessons to be learned from the various approaches tried and with a long-range policy proposal designed to ensure "evolution of a health industry that is consistent with broad social goals." The volume lacks coverage of a major force underlying health costs--financial incentives that result in physician use of high-cost services. The book's organization leads to some repetition between chapters. Excellent references; good index. A valuable resource for those interested in health policy evolution or specific health programs. University collections. J. M. Glasgow University of Connecticut Health Center
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
