Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 57%

Health Care's Numbers Game
The game of health care is a risky one. Today emergency rooms are acting as primary care physicians for thousands of patients. This trend produces a vicious cycle of hospitals raising emergency room costs and passing that increase along to paying patients, who in turn pass it along to insurance companies, who in turn raise rates so even more people cannot afford the premium or the co-payment.
For years, indigent people have used emergency rooms for very minor illnesses rather than seeing an outside doctor, but now emergency rooms are seeing people with insurance, but who cannot afford the co-payment or the deductible for the office visit. If we don't change the way the healthcare game is played, we're all going to lose.

The passage implies that

Rationale

There is a crisis in numbers management in the healthcare industry.

The passage highlights a problematic cycle involving emergency room costs, insurance rates, and the affordability of healthcare, implying a systemic issue with managing financial aspects in the healthcare industry. This situation is described as a "risky game" that, if not addressed, will lead to negative consequences for all involved.

A (There is a crisis in numbers management in the healthcare industry.) CORRECT

The passage directly addresses the financial challenges and cycle of cost increases within the healthcare system, indicating a crisis in managing these numbers. This is evident from the discussion on rising emergency room costs, insurance rate hikes, and the impact on both patients and providers.

B (Primary care physicians should work out of emergency rooms.) YOUR ANSWER

The passage mentions that emergency rooms are being used as primary care providers, but it does not suggest that primary care physicians should relocate to emergency rooms. Instead, it describes this as part of the problematic cycle currently burdening the healthcare system.

C (Indigent people should not be allowed into emergency rooms.) YOUR ANSWER

While the passage notes that indigent people have historically used emergency rooms for minor illnesses, it does not advocate for restricting their access. The focus is on the broader financial implications and systemic issues, not on excluding specific groups from care.

D (Insurance companies are getting rich.) YOUR ANSWER

The passage discusses insurance companies raising rates but does not imply that they are becoming wealthy as a result. Instead, it highlights the cycle of rising costs and affordability issues affecting everyone, including insurance companies needing to adjust rates to cover increased expenses.

Conclusion

The passage underscores a significant issue with financial management in the healthcare system, focusing on the cycle of cost increases and its impact on accessibility and affordability. It emphasizes the need to address these systemic problems to prevent further negative outcomes for all stakeholders involved in healthcare.

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