M3D1: Controlling Health Care Costs – A Case Study

Module 3
Please read the case study Download case study and then engage in discussion on the questions that follow.:

1.) Lisa had a very strong position regarding Don’s treatment. Based on the information provided in this case and what you have learned so far this term, what arguments would Lisa most likely have made to support his need for this treatment when she approached his insurance company?

Why do you think the insurance company was so unresponsive?

Knowing what you now know about methods typically used to manage health costs, what do you think was going on in this scenario?

2.)What role did managing health care costs play in the decisions made?

3.)Health providers are in the business of treating and healing people. Yet, providers must also “make ends meet” in terms of income, or they will not remain in practice very long. If you and your classmates were in the position of deciding whether or not Don should receive this treatment, what factors would you want to weigh as you consider your decision?

4.)What other information might you want to have available to help you to make this decision?

5.)Consider Don’s treatment path from his initial diagnosis through his death. Based on this case and your readings, do you feel it is possible for the health care delivery system to provide compassionate care within the parameters of cost containment? Why or why not?

Be sure to speak to some of the current trends in financing that we have learned about this week.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on “Reply.” Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click “Post Reply.”

Module outcomes that are addressed in this discussion include:

Examine the financing and reimbursement of public health and health care services. (CO3)

Evaluate cost control methods used in the health care delivery system. (CO3)

Analyze current trends in health financing. (CO3)