The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49560

C. Torben Thomsen, PhD, CPA, School of Public Health, Department of Health Administration, Loma Linda University, PO Box 11435, San Bernardino, CA 92423-1435, 909 558-4300 x 47108, tthomsen@sph.llu.edu

The growth in health care expenditures since 1960 is reviewed and compared to the gross domestic product using several innovative graphic techniques. The audience will be asked for an expression of preference of format. Various models for the dynamics of tumor growth are reviewed and potential analogies between growth in health care expenditures and tumor growth are explored. Finally, several possible defects in feedback mechanisms are explored that could account for the dramatic growth in health care expenditures.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants should be able to

• Describe the growth in health care expenditures over the past 40 years.
• Discuss various models for the dynamics of tumor growth.
• Articulate possible analogies between heath care growth and tumor growth.
• Assess possible control defects responsible for the relative growth of health care expenditures.

Keywords: Cost Issues, Economic Analysis

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.