The debate over cost versus benefit can be a heated one. In our discussion this week I want you to take the perspective of a health care manager, not the patient or their family. Be respectful in your comments and look at the big picture of health care reimbursement, overall health care costs, and escalating consumer payments.

• Do you think that cost versus benefit (i.e. health care rationing) has a place in today's health care? Why or why not? Under what circumstances? Be sure to explain the rationale behind your response.
• At what point, or do they ever, should medicine make the decision to stop putting resources into a patient? Why or why not? (Remember answer as a provider not a consumer) Does your response balance available resources vs. outcomes?
• How much say should those who pay for the care (insurances and governmental entities) have in the decision? Should they have the right to set guidelines / criteria? Explain and justify your response.
• Regarding use of resources, how should ethical decisions play a part? With what criteria? For example, at what point should medical interventions cease when a patient is terminal or no chance for meaningful recovery?