Implications of genomics for the US healthcare system Online publication date: Thu, 03-May-2007
by Campbell Murray
International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management (IJHTM), Vol. 8, No. 5, 2007
Abstract: Advances in genomics have the potential to significantly improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the USA, but there are dangers inherent in some of the knowledge advances that necessitate federal government intervention in select areas of the health system. So long as diagnostic capabilities run ahead of treatment solutions, the USA's healthcare insurance system will face pressure as advances in genomics generate greater ability to risk-stratify insurance applicants. Indeed, the advent of genomics to healthcare practice may render some people effectively uninsurable. Moreover, the loss of people from the insurance pool may cause a spiral of rising insurance premiums on a declining base, which could leave a large proportion of Americans without health insurance coverage. Thus, aside from moral considerations of equity and ensuring that all Americans have reasonable access to healthcare, it may be economically inefficient not to mandate universal coverage.
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