THE COST OF MEDICAL

Health care costs continue to spiral at a rate faster than the general economic sector, due to factors which uniquely affect the health care industry. Several of these factors are discussed. The effect of the spiraling costs are felt throughout all de-partments of the hospital. Recognition of the need for cost containment measures, by health profes-sionals in addition to governmental laws and reg-ulations and consumer pressures, have stimulated the search for more efficient methods of opera-tion. If cost containment measures are not to affect the quality of care adversely, increases in productivity must be achieved and wasteful op-erations eliminated. The need for further research in these areas is cited