Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:Introduction to Health Care and Public Health in the U.S.
Unit:Financing Health Care - Part 2
Lecture:Factors Contributing to Increasing U.S. Health Care Costs
Slide content:Technology - 1 Previously untreatable conditions Arthritis in hips and knees New medical and surgical procedures Angioplasty Joint repairs/replacements 7
Slide notes:Over the years, technology has led to advances in medicine that have prolonged the life expectancy of the average person. Previously untreatable conditions, along with new medical and surgical procedures, have permitted individuals to survive conditions that, if not fatal, were debilitating. For example, arthritis in hips and knees, which created mobility issues for people, can now be treated with hip and knee replacements that allow individuals to continue an active lifestyle for many years. Artery blockages in the heart can now be treated with angioplasty, resulting in increased survival rates for illnesses that previously proved fatal. At the same time that technology permits individuals to live longer, the improved survival rates place additional pressure on the health care system through increased demand and utilization of services. 7