Abstract
In this Sounding Board essay on health care reform, Callahan identifies deeply held values that work against the goals of designing an economically sound, efficient, and equitable system of health care for the United States. Americans prize autonomy and freedom of choice, are hostile to government control and planning, have made health care a lucrative industry, and expect amenities and constant technological innovation in medicine and health care. Callahan argues that these values must be modified and coupled with an effective, stringent cost containment movement if meaningful health care reform is to be achieved. He offers suggestions for rethinking our individual and societal approach to health and health care in order to provide decent care to all Americans. (KIE abstract)
