Theories of How to View Health Care

Theories of How to View Health Care
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Gerald L. Musgrave devised theory X and theory Y. Musgrave came up with these two theories in 1995 and even went ahead to discuss them in depth in his article “Health Economics Outlook: Two theories of health economics”. The two theories though diametrically opposed, play a significant role in the healthcare industry. They all aim at achieving reforms in the healthcare system. All in all, the tag between the two perspectives of civilization holds little to no hopes for a resolution. Theory X holds that health by its very own nature random. Illnesses come up randomly with some people getting sick while others do not. Secondly, on the view of medical, it assumes that medicine is a science and professionals in this field will ultimately establish the most appropriate means of handling every illness. On the view of medical care, theory X holds that medical care is a unique service. Finally, on the role of the government’s role in health care, theory adds that government regulations are required in protecting this unique commodity, controlling profiteering at the expense of patient care, controlling the resources used in health care, as well as improving the sharing of information (Musgrave, 1995).
Theory Y is considerably different from theory X. According to theory Y, whether a person is sick is dependent on the lifestyle choices such as whether someone drinks or smokes. In view of medical practice, this theory portrays medicine as an art and as such there will never be one particular best way of treating every sickness.

This is because diseases are usually patient-specific and there will always be demand for reduced cost and less hurting treatments. In view of medical, theory Y holds that medical care is just like to any other good or service. Finally, the theory’s view of the government’s role in health care is that government regulations are not necessary (Musgrave, 1995). Rather, technological advancements and more services are necessary. It also adds that competition should drive the market but it should not be driven by government regulations.
The utilization of the two theories is imperious in effective healthcare system management. The two theories applied together in healthcare delivery will definitely give the best outcomes since the two advocates for promotion and expansion of information. Each of the theories has its strengths and limitations and for efficient in the healthcare system, it is feasible to utilize the two theories co-currently. For instance, adopting the view of theory X that government regulations are significant in protecting healthcare would be realistic since the government contributes immensely to the health industry (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). Likewise, the view held by theory X that a person’s health depends on their lifestyle choices is also significant in any healthcare setting. Therefore, adopting the two theories at a go would bring out the best results.
References
Musgrave, G. L. (1995). Health economics outlook: two theories of health economics. Business Economics, 7-13.
Teitelbaum, J. B., & Wilensky, S. E. (2013). Essentials of health policy and law. Jones & Bartlett Publishers