Economics and quality of care: are they in competition?

Joan Simmons

doi:10.1117/12.225312

27 October 1995 Economics and quality of care: are they in competition?

Joan Simmons

Proceedings Volume 2499, Health Care Technology Policy II: The Role of Technology in the Cost of Health Care: Providing the Solutions; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.225312
Event: Health Care Technology Policy II: The Role of Technology in the Cost of Health Care: Providing the Solutions, 1995, Arlington, VA, United States

Abstract

I propose that high quality health care -- including innovation and state-of-the-art technology -- can and must co-exist with society's desire to reduce costs. One need not threaten the other. In fact, they should be mutually supportive. In this paper I talk about how we assess value in health care and some of the principles that should inform sound economic decisions about quality care. First, I'd like to consider why consumers define quality differently in health care than they do in other markets, and why lower costs and improved quality can -- and must -- move together. I review examples of how we currently use less costly alternatives for delivering care and at the same time maintain or improve our performance in meeting quality health care goals. I discuss how mechanisms in our current system support continued cost and quality improvements. Finally, I'll conclude with thoughts on how we can facilitate this trend with information and continued innovation.

Citation Download Citation

Joan Simmons "Economics and quality of care: are they in competition?", Proc. SPIE 2499, Health Care Technology Policy II: The Role of Technology in the Cost of Health Care: Providing the Solutions, (27 October 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.225312

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