Alternative forms of ambulatory care: Implications for patients and physicians

摘要: In recent years, new providers of ambulatory health care have appeared in the U.S. These are characterized by an emphasis on profit making, where primary giver, physician, is often employee, and patients receive a non-traditional setting. Examples these alternative include for-profit Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), freestanding centers (walk-in clinics), outpatient surgery centers. other suppliers interest since they represent growing form delivery. For many patients, offer convenient, cost-effective medical service. However, which characterizes most may mean that rural, inner city areas, as well poor uninsured throughout country, will not be able to take advantage convenience savings offer. physicians, employment system can welcome costs starting operating practice soar. Yet, physician-employees face loss autonomy, status income. Authors point 'proletarianization' lose control over location, means direction their work. This paper explores development care. It focuses three implications for both physicians. Proposed directions future research obtaining data actual extent market effects consumers deliverers