Question

There is one argument that is central to the current and future state of healthcare within the United States. Is healthcare a right, or is it a privilege? If it is a right, then everyone, regardless of financial resources, deserves access to quality healthcare. If it is a privilege, then consumerism will reign supreme. While the debate continues, there are many who are trying to find success somewhere in the middle. Thus, the idea of one-stop shops is growing across the country.

Imagine walking into a Wal-Mart (or other large chain store) and putting your name on a “to be seen” list. A medical provider, more than likely a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant, has an office somewhere in the store. As you are shopping, a text message appears that you are next. You and your groceries make your way to the office and are seen by the provider. The provider writes a script, sends it to the pharmacy (20 feet away) and then “recommends” a diet of X, Y, and Z; which incidentally are available within the store as well. You continue shopping and another text arrives that your prescription is ready to be picked up. All of this under one roof.

In your initial post...

After reading the assigned material for the week and conducting research through the university library, discuss any concerns as to ethics or conflicts of interest that may present itself with one-stop shops. For example, should doctors own hospitals?

Answer 1

Healthcare is considered to be a right in many countries while in the US, it is a privilege for many. The US constitution does not establish health care as a right and in the US, health care primarily happens by engaging insurance agencies. Those who have health insurance will get better health care facilities.

The classification of health care as a consumer product or a right of everyone is debatable. Healthcare and physicians have traditionally been regarded a highly respected, in the society. Physicians go through a series of procedures to become a good physician. They must pass highly competitive entrance examinations, years and years of training, higher studies, and licensing procedures to get certified as a physician. The effort and time involved in the making of a physician is tremendous and they invest a considerable part of their life to become one. They also must undertake licensing procedures in accordance with governmental regulations as well. Today’s healthcare sector is highly advanced, and hospitals invest a lot of money in establishing the facilities. Due to all these, health care cannot be offered for free as well.

It is the duty of governments to ensure that everybody is getting enough health care and support. A middle ground may be established as stated in the question by subsidizing health care or by making the services free for the needy.

The establishment of one stop shops as stated in the question is a viable option for making health care practice easily accessible to all, but there can be conflicts of interests like the physicians may favour specific brands which are available in the store. With proper regulatory measures, this method can be run well. There shall be a proper physician who will prescribe medicines to the patients and the brands of medicines available shall be regulated by authorities. If not properly regulated, this may result in too much consumerism.

There are many clinics operated by doctors alone, and in the past, doctors used to operate from the offices alone or as small groups only. Now a days hospitals are large and complicated and if doctors are owning and operating hospitals, they may not be able to concentrate on the their job of treating patients. Currently hospitals are managed by trained personnel and it is better done that way.

Ambulatory centres such as small clinics, clinics with in house laboratory facilities etc. are an emerging trend these days with doctors opening small facilities on their own. This will reduce costs to the patients as well because operation of small facilities is economical compared to large facilities. Patients also find these small facilities easily accessible when compared to large facilities like speciality hospitals.