The problems currently faced by the U.S. health care delivery system. These issues frame the problems managers delivery organizations are currently facing. These include the growing gap between demand and supply. Demand for health services is increasing as the population ages, chronic diseases become more common, and medical technology increases. However, the supply of nurses and doctors is decreasing. In addition, as regulatory authorities and the general public became more interested in the quality of care delivered, there is evidence of significant failures of quality. In response to these challenges, regulators have introduced new forms of payment and financial incentives for physicians and delivery organizations, and leaders experimented with a few new models of service delivery and organization structures. They include the use of new specialists and other support staff, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in-store clinics oriented enterprises, and concierge services. "Hide
by Richard Bohmer, Carin-Isabel Knoop 27 pages. Publication Date: Jun 06, 2006. Prod. #: 606096-PDF-ENG