Redesigning the health care system of the future.

The models outlined above represent alternative constructs for examining factors that may or may not influence human health in a positive manner. If the economic framework seems more theoretical than actionable, consider an alternative framework that has been advanced by the American Hospital Association and described in Table I. Regardless of the framework adopted, work to improve the health care system and its financing will be hard, irrespective of whether incremental or wholesale changes are made. What is important, however, is that a thoughtful approach be taken and the trade-offs of each decision carefully weighted. The health of the population of the state and the country depend on it.