Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Management

First Advisor

Betty LeMasters

Second Advisor

Gary Gardiner

Third Advisor

Raymond Scupin

Abstract

This cumulating project will focus on the development of the current U.S. healthcare system and the involvement of government, especially the federal government in this process.

The focus is on the proposal to use advanced information systems technology to establish cost control for the healthcare sector of the economy.

The issues which are addressed are what role the federal government plays in the current healthcare system, the proposed use of a comprehensive federal health data bank which would include data on all U.S. residents, and alternative applications of systems technology which are operational or under development by private and state government.

Among the questions the author poses are are whether a comprehensive data system is justified, practical, cost effective, or warranted, given the current state of healthcare in the U.S. This work also addresses concerns about the use of interactive computer networks to gain information on U. S. citizens without their knowledge or consent.

The introduction of healthcare legislation by President Clinton's administration, including a proposal for a national healthcare data base, brings home the topics discussed in this work. It is hoped that the reader will better understand the complex nature of this debate and the need for citizen involvement in public discussion before any plan is initiated which provides for creation of such a system.

The author does not propose that any system is inherently evil or misguided. However, there is reason to question the introduction of a process of such magnitude, and with implications for every citizen. The individual right to privacy is already threatened by automation both in and out of government. It is hoped that the reader will apply the matters addressed in this discussion to help governments make the proper decisions about healthcare.

The material in this discussion includes interviews with individuals who are part of the healthcare system in decision-making capacities. In addition, some specific information from federal and state legislators was solicited, with limited response. Much of the material in this work was a result of research conducted by others. It focused on the practical concerns of automation as it operates in the current health services environment.

The author has been involved in healthcare for some fifteen years in a variety of settings. The concern about how the future of healthcare in this country will be is both real and immediate. There are no clear answers to the problems identified in this work. It is hoped that there is enough insight to aid others as they formulate their opinions.

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