Introduction to the US Health Care Industry: Balancing Care, Cost, and Access

The US health care industry is expensive and has poor outcomes due to market imperfections, regulations, and wealth inequality. Dr. David S. Guzick's book "An Introduction to the US Health Care Industry" argues that the industry could work more effectively by rebalancing care, cost, and access. He introduces readers to the economic principles behind the function and dysfunction of the industry and analyzes how it developed. He also looks to the future, describing prevention, innovation, and alternative financing models that could help to rebalance the priorities of care, cost, and access.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 584 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

The United States faces a perplexing challenge: despite spending significantly more money per capita on healthcare than any other developed nation, its population experiences remarkably poorer health outcomes. In contrast to 10 other high-income countries, the US ranks lowest in terms of life expectancy at birth, highest in infant and neonatal mortality rates, and exhibits the most unequal access to physicians when adjusted for need.

In his comprehensive analysis, An Introduction to the US Health Care Industry, Dr. David S. Guzick delves into this troubling issue. Drawing upon his diverse background as a physician, economist, former dean of the University of Rochester Medical School, and former president of the University of Florida Health System, Dr. Guzick sheds light on the complex nature of the US healthcare system, which he characterizes as an industry shaped by a unique amalgamation of self-interested and disjointed stakeholders. He argues that the underlying assumptions of well-functioning markets do not apply to healthcare, leading to market imperfections and a significant imbalance between care, cost, and access.

Using a nontechnical approach, Dr. Guzick introduces readers to the economic principles governing the functioning and dysfunction of the healthcare industry. He explains how the market-based approach could potentially address these issues, while also acknowledging the realities of imperfections, regulations, and wealth inequality that impact these functions. He also provides an insightful historical account of how the healthcare industry evolved, highlighting the key factors that contributed to its current state.

Throughout the book, Dr. Guzick offers practical solutions and recommendations to improve the US healthcare system. He advocates for a shift towards a more patient-centered approach, where healthcare providers prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their patients. He also suggests reforms to address market imperfections, such as increasing competition and promoting price transparency. Additionally, Dr. Guzick emphasizes the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development to ensure high-quality care and reduce healthcare costs.

In conclusion, An Introduction to the US Health Care Industry is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and challenges of the healthcare system in the United States. Dr. Guzick's comprehensive analysis provides a clear and insightful perspective on the industry's dysfunction, offering practical solutions and recommendations for improvement. By addressing the underlying market imperfections, promoting patient-centered care, and investing in healthcare infrastructure, the US can strive towards a healthcare system that delivers better outcomes, greater access, and greater value for its citizens.

Weight: 1032g
Dimension: 180 x 254 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421438658