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

Rationale:

A. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMOs were promoted as an alternative to

traditional fee-for-service models and typically employ stringent utilization controls, such as requiring members to select a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain referrals for specialist care.

B. Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans, while offering alternatives to

traditional Medicare fee-for-service, may not necessarily employ the tightest utilization controls compared to HMOs.

C. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): PPOs offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and typically have less stringent utilization controls compared to HMOs.

D. Point of Service (POS): POS plans combine elements of HMOs and PPOs, allowing members to choose between in-network and out-of-network care, but may not have as tight utilization controls as pure HMOs.

Rationale:

A. Obtaining patient's consent before treatment: Hospitals must adhere to legal and ethical standards by obtaining informed consent from patients before providing treatment or performing medical procedures.

B. Women are admitted to hospitals more often than men, but men incur longer stays: While this statement highlights a potential disparity, it does not directly address legal or ethical issues faced by hospitals.

C. Only a few hospitals in some major US cities: The scarcity of hospitals in certain areas is a concern but is not necessarily a legal or ethical issue hospitals face.

D. Discussion of alternatives: Hospitals have an ethical obligation to discuss treatment

alternatives with patients, ensuring they are fully informed and involved in decision-making about their care.

E. Patient's participation in decision making: Ethically, hospitals must respect patients' autonomy and involve them in decision-making processes regarding their healthcare.