The HMO and the Nurse Practitioner

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the American health care system highlighting the concerns that many citizens and politicians have about the state of medical treatment in the United States. The author also explains the importance of health maintenance organizations (HMOs), introduces several models, and describes how they relate to the ongoing debate about who should be responsible for paying for health care.

From the Paper:

"As presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama fight for the oval office, members of each party, along with independents an third party politicians, have raised a variety of issues with which the two must grapple. Not the least of these is the current state of the United States healthcare system. In fact, Michael Moore's recent documentary Sicko furthered the concern that many citizens and politicians have about the state of medical treatment in the United States. While some suggest that the United States develop a system of universalized health care, as is prevalent throughout Europe and in Canada, others have countered that universal healthcare is costly in terms of the length of time patients must wait for treatment. Healthcare providers such as doctors and nurses have made statements in support of both sides of the debate. Some maintain that the current health system allows for better treatment and training of doctors because people get what they pay for, and doctors are paid quite a deal for their work. Because of this, some free market economists may argue, they are more motivated to produce exemplary services. Free healthcare for all, on the other hand, may compromise this relationship, some argue."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "A History of HMOs." (2008). Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Health Alliance Plan. Web Site: http://www.hap.org/info/main/history_hmo.php
• Dafny, Leemore. (2005). How Do Hospitals Respond to Price Changes? American Economic Reviewn95 (5), p. 1525-1547.
• "History of Health Maintenance Organization." (2006). Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Medical-Billing-Coding. Web Site: http://www.medical-billing-coding.org/NewsArticleDetail1100.htm
• Krizner, Ken. (2008). Health Plan Networks Slowly Embrace Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Managed Health Executive. Web Site: http://managedhealthcareexecutive.modernmedicine.com/mhe/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=389263
• Miller, Richard C. What is An HMO? Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Monsees, Miller Mayer Presley and Amick. Web Site: http://www.mmmpalaw.com/CM/Articles/articles33.asp

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