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Health Care Economics History

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Health Care Economics History

Health Care Economics History
Over the course of U.S. history, the economics of healthcare have undergone several changes that have all culminated into what it is today. Although several factors come into play in regards to these changes, the primary driver behind these changes have been major advances in medical care techniques and advanced technology such as in the field of diagnostic imaging and surgical services. All these things aside, it is important to illuminate the fact that regardless of the time period, the payment for services and its source have always been a critical factor in how fast and how far healthcare can go.

The source of payment for medical services has changed quite a bit over the past few decades. Today, third party payers such as insurance companies pay the bulk load of the healthcare bills leaving only a portion to be paid by the actual recipient from their own funds. In the not so distant past, patients were expected to foot the bills in their entirety for their own pockets. In those times, physicians were considered tradesmen. Their bills were no different than any other tradesmen such as a plumber or carpenter. When their work was done, the patient paid the bill. Frequently, if the patient was unable to pay in cash, physicians would accept non-monetary reimbursement for their services such as livestock or some other farm produced item. This "barter system" worked quite well but as the 20th century came about and the U.S. began to see its most rapid development period in history, a new system was needed to address the healthcare needs of the nation.

During the Great Depression, health cooperatives were established to assist Americans gain access to the healthcare system. These cooperatives established a payment system for healthcare services in which several individuals, such as farmers, would

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