Access, quality, and cost control in emergency medicine: can we have all three? A resident's perspective on the future of emergency medicine

Ann Emerg Med. 1997 Dec;30(6):779-81. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(97)70047-7.

Abstract

The triad of access, quality, and cost provides a useful framework for the discussion of health care reform. A quote from a recent review of the Oregon Health Plan illustrates the conflict between these three factors very well. "The administrators of the plan are realistic people; they once placed a sign on the wall: 'Cost, access, quality--pick any two."

MeSH terms

  • Cost Control*
  • Emergency Medical Services* / economics
  • Emergency Medical Services* / standards
  • Emergency Medical Services* / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Quality of Health Care*