¶ … healthcare industry has, like so many other industries, undergone significant changes in recent years. Like many other industries, some of these changes have been propelled by technological developments and innovations, improvements over existing technology or tools that nonetheless bring with them additional, potentially unforeseen, challenges. Yet the healthcare industry has faced an additional challenge in the form of public policy and changing expectations. Cost containment has become a hot topic within the healthcare field, from insurance to providers to hospitals and pharmacies. A variety of measure of have been undertaken in pursuit of such cost containment, including mergers and acquisitions, as well as an ever deepening involvement in the political process, activity that often lacks transparency and accountability. It is the emphasis on the pursuit of cost containment that is shared amongst the below articles.
"Health Reform Memo- June 11, 2012." Wall Street Journal. 11 June 2012. Web. http://deloitte.wsj.com/cfo/2012/06/11/health-reform-memo-june-11-2012/?KEYWORDS=health+cost+containment
Articulates the potential cost containment and other benefits of adopting a different operational approach to healthcare in the United States. The article touts the potential for heightened efficiencies within healthcare delivery, including insurance, when the patient is seen and understood as, above all, a consumer.
"Hospitals Consider Merger." Wall Street Journal. 7 June 2012. Web. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303753904577451252116466554.html?KEYWORDS=healthcare+merger
Examines the potential merger between two major New York hospital systems. The merger is under consideration for the promise it holds as a cost containment measure in an industry increasingly characterized by consolidation.
"WellPoint to Buy 1-800 Contacts." Wall Street Journal. 4 June 2012. Web. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303918204577444953508462104.html?KEYWORDS=healthcare+acquisition
Reports and explains the recent decision by WellPoint Inc. To purchase 1-800 Contacts, a retailer of contact lenses and eyewear. The acquisition is touted as yet another move towards diversification in the healthcare industry.
"ObamaCare's Secret History." Wall Street Journal. 11 June 2012. Web. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303830204577446470015843822.html?KEYWORDS=healthcare+merger
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