Introduction to section 1: financial considerations.
Achieving fundamental reform of the health care system to improve patient outcomes will take decades of effort and a major shift in financial, medical, and political behaviors that have built up since the beginning of health insurance in the United States. To the extent that the present payment systems contribute to the high cost, poor quality, and lack of accountability that characterizes today's health care delivery system, there is hope that reforms are within reach.
Hannenberg
Alexander A
AA
Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA 02462, USA. ahannenberg@partners.org
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D006278:Medicare / Q000191:economics*; D009873:Operating Rooms; D014481:United States