Prof James Only

Assignment 1: Discussion Questions

Before beginning work on this discussion forum, please review the link “Doing Discussion Questions Right,” the expanded grading rubric for the forum, and any specific instructions for this topic.

Before the end of the week, begin commenting on at least two of your classmates’ responses. You can ask technical questions or respond generally to the overall experience. Be objective, clear, and concise. Always use constructive language, even in criticism, to work toward the goal of positive progress. Submit your responses in the Discussion Area.

Cost of Healthcare

Physicians are tasked with providing quality care to all with an effort to maximize health outcomes and minimize cost. The United States currently spends approximately $8,500 per person, per year on healthcare (Davis et al., 2014). This is nearly three times the amount spent in other developed nations such as the United Kingdom and Sweden, who are able to provide high quality care and deliver better health outcomes at a much lower cost.

• Identify two policies that inflate the cost of healthcare in the U.S. Explain how these policies inflate healthcare costs.
• Propose two policies to assist in shifting the curve of the relationship between costs and outcomes to a more efficient relationship in the U.S. Justify your proposals.

Resource:

Davis, K., Stremikis, K., Squires, D., & Schoen, C. (2014). Mirror, mirror on
           the wall, 2014 update: how the US health care system compares
           internationally. Retrieved from http://www.commonwealthfund.org/
           publications/fund-reports/2014/jun/mirror-mirror.