From U Kentucky: Academic health centers and limited health care choices

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22643376

Acad Med. 2012 Jun;87(6):691-3.

Commentary: choice-the need for a thorough and open discussion: implications for academic health centers.

Karpf M, Lofgren R.

Source

Dr. Karpf is executive vice president for health care affairs, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Lofgren is vice president for health care operations, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Abstract

The reality is that choice in health care may be limited or substantially curtailed in the future. To imply that the U.S. healthcare system can achieve the needed cost savings without such restrictions is not productive and may be potentially deceptive. Continued unfiltered, unlimited choice will only continue to drive more utilization and costs. Academic health centers (AHCs) should take a leadership role in expanding the public dialogue regarding health care reform and its likely need to limit choice at some level while preparing for the inevitable related evolution of AHCs' core clinical programs, relationships, and strategies.