Jun 8, 2012
Healthcare History Shows Increasing Costs, Decreasing Mortality Rates
The authors of a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine used the records of the Massachusetts General Hospital to examine 200 years of healthcare trends. Their findings show that, during the hospital’s first 100 years, healthcare costs didn’t rise very quickly but, as mortality rates began to drop in the 20th century, so did the cost of treatment. Greg Meyer, MD, author of the study, said the review is the longest population health run ever looked at and noted the changing trajectory of costs over the past 10 years. Though there was a correlation between increasing costs and more effective treatments during the 20th century, the past 10 years has seen accelerated health expenses without a corresponding drop in mortality rates. Meyer said their findings highlight the need to work toward developing a more sustainable healthcare system. More here.
