Publications
Publications
- June 2006 (Revised June 2007)
- HBS Case Collection
The Challenge Facing the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System
By: Richard M.J. Bohmer and Carin-Isabel Knoop
Abstract
Discusses the challenges currently facing the U.S. health care delivery system. These challenges frame the problems managers of delivery organizations are currently facing. They include a burgeoning gap between demand and supply. Demand for health care services is increasing as the population ages, chronic diseases become more common, and medical technology increases. Yet, the supply of nurses and physicians is decreasing. Moreover, as both regulators and the general public become more interested in the quality of care delivered, there is evidence of substantial quality failures. In response to these challenges, regulators have introduced new forms of payment and financial incentives for doctors and delivery organizations, and managers have experimented with several new service models and delivery organization designs. They include the use of new professionals and other assistive personnel, such as nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants, in-store clinics, focused factories and concierge care.
Keywords
Citation
Bohmer, Richard M.J., and Carin-Isabel Knoop. "The Challenge Facing the U.S. Healthcare Delivery System." Harvard Business School Background Note 606-096, June 2006. (Revised June 2007.)