The Truth about Health Care by David MechanicCall Number: LAW STACKS 1st floor KF 3821 .M42 2006
ISBN: 0813538874
Publication Date: 2006-08-04
The United States spends greatly more per person on health care than any other country but the evidence shows that care is often poor and inappropriate. In The Truth about Health Care, David Mechanic explains how health care in America has evolved in ways that favor a myriad of economic, professional, and political interests over those of patients. While money has always had a place in medical care, "big money" and the quest for profits has become dominant, making meaningful reforms difficult to achieve. Mechanic acknowledges that railing against these influences, which are here to stay, can achieve only so much. Instead, he asks whether it is possible to convert what is best about health care in America into a well functioning system that better serves the entire population. Mechanic examines the strengths and weaknesses of our system and how it has evolved. He pays special attention to areas often neglected in policy discussions, such as the loss of public trust in medicine, the tragic state of long-term care, and the relationship of mental health to health care. This book will provide a refreshing and frank look at the system's current and future dilemmas. Mechanic describes how health plans, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and consumer groups can work together to improve access, quality, fairness, and health outcomes in America.