Waste and abuse is a reason for rising healthcare costs. Which of the following is a contributory factor?

Rationale:

A. Prospective Payment System (PPS): PPS was introduced in the 1980s and aimed to control healthcare costs by reimbursing hospitals based on predetermined rates for services provided. While it had an impact on hospital operations, it did not directly contribute to the growth of hospitals.

B. The growth of managed care: Managed care emerged as a significant force in healthcare delivery in the latter part of the 20th century, but its impact on hospital growth was more complex, including efforts to control costs and utilization.

C. Technological advances: Advances in medical technology, such as diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, and pharmaceuticals, played a significant role in the growth of hospitals by expanding their capabilities to diagnose and treat a wider range of conditions.

D. Increased use of skilled nursing: While skilled nursing facilities and services are important components of the healthcare system, they did not directly contribute to the growth of hospitals during this period.

Rationale:

A. The United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has a publicly funded healthcare system

(National Health Service), which typically has lower healthcare costs compared to the United States.

B. The United States: The United States consistently has the highest healthcare costs per capita among developed countries due to factors such as high administrative costs, pharmaceutical prices, and utilization rates.

C. Canada: Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system (Medicare), which generally has lower healthcare costs compared to the United States.

D. Jamaica: Jamaica's healthcare system is characterized by resource constraints, and healthcare costs are typically lower compared to those in the United States.