These changes are based on society's priorities, allocation of resources, living standards, available technology and other major undercurrents. The following summary is a brief overview to illustrate some past trends. You may click on the appropriate date on the timeline below to access each history area. A scientific approach to medicine is created via anesthesia, antiseptics, diagnostics and vaccines.
Physicians consolidate their professional authority and develop greater social status.
The 1990's environment is characterized as managed care. American businesses in most industries are subject to unprecedented competitive pressures from the most globally-oriented economy in world history. As a result, their healthcare benefits as a cost of doing business are becoming rationalized. This means the birth stages of a market based on the measurement and competitive pricing of medical care quality. The above list shows this approach to be much different than the previous system of government and special interest group control.