Critical issues in U.S. health reform /

This interesting and informative book collects essays by noted economists and physicians who discuss problems and solutions to the US health care system. The book was written prior to the congressional debate on health care; several authors point out the political and financial reasons why the system should be changed slowly, and predicted the congressional outcome. After an introductory overview by Ginzberg, there follows an excellent discussion about finances pointing out that increases in costs have led to decreases in mortality. A hard choice, whether additional assets should be used, might need to be made soon. This latter point is the subject of the subsequent two chapters; i.e., who gets what and at what cost. Chapters follow on problems with mental health care, and on controlling hospital, physician, and other costs, and the quality consequences. An analysis of the present roles of Medicare and Medicaid provide important lessons in reform development, and a study of public employees' health benefit programs points out the failure of most of these efforts. Finally, the roles of both private insurance and politics are also addressed. A revealing work. All levels. H. W. Wallace; University of Pennsylvania