Health Care as a Commodity
Health Care as a Commodity
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While many nations have some version of a National Health Service or universal health care, the US is different in that it is considered a hybrid system. While many
users receive some government assistance, many of the costs are covered by private entities. A 2014 article from Patient Experience Journal (PEJ) stated that
considering patients as customers is a bad idea, which leads to cost inflation in the long-term. A recent New York Times article follows the story of one mother who
fought with the hospital over a medial bill and won. This mother would not have to fight if it were not for the high bill she received, which was later revealed to be
due to sneaky coding and billing practices (Link). In this discussion.
Do not write the essay just answer the following questions please.
1. Aside from the factors mentioned above, what else could contribute to the increasing costs of health care? Is it something organic that can't be managed, or
something that is man-made? If it is man-made, what do you suggest could be done to control for inflation?
2. Considering last week's discussion, would the practices that you read about in the NYT article be considered unethical? Why or why not? Consider the distinction
between being legal and being ethical.
3. After reading the PEJ article, answer the following: As a consumer, what do you consider to be more important when receiving health services, quality care or
quality service? Should either of those come at a premium?