ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains that if the increased availability of hearts for transplant operations continues as expected, and such transplants are covered under Medicare, as proposed by many, the cost would be over $10 billion annually in dollars. It reviews the potential legal challenges to any system of rationing. The book discusses statistical analysis of the long-term care population and how such care is financed. It explores a number of reforms that would be likely to lead to a liability system that acts as an incentive to physicians to reduce risk of injury and at the same time compensates those with legitimate claims of injury. The book presents a range of techniques that employers can use to "manage" health care services for their employees, all of which have been shown to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes.
