Question

The production function of healthcare depends on quality, quantity, and cost. Discuss the current production function of healthcare. How does it compare to expectation? Is it improving or declining over time?

Answer 1

Answer:

1. intangibility - can't be assessed by the 5 senses

2. inseparability - production and consumption of a service are simultaneous bc patients can often be both consumers and providers.  

3. inventory - can't have unlimited supply.  

4. inconsistency - quality

Health care costs too much.  Meeting your quota for the amount that you have to pay out of pocket is usually not in the pockets of those that have to pay.  Medication can be so expensive that people cannot have access to the types of medication that "rich" people can afford.  We expect our Government to ensure that we have equal treatment when it comes to medical care.  It is really sad that if you are extremely poor, then they have to take you at certain hospitals.  Are you being fairly treated at that hospital and receiving the ultimate care that you could receive if you had the money to pay for it?  There are so many new things that scientists are learning and diseases are able to be prevented - but do we allow everyone access to this type of health?  The middle class suffers due to the fact that they usually cannot afford a co-payment and then - God forbid - if you have to get a chest xray or have blood drawn - you cannot afford it.  People are sick all over the world and there are so many ways that basic medications could help - but, do we get that type of benefit just by being an american citizen?  Third world countries are dying quickly.  

Explanation: