Which strategy can be implemented to help reduce healthcare costs?

Health care cost containment is a strategic approach focused on reducing the overall expenses associated with healthcare delivery while maintaining or improving the quality of care. This can involve various methods such as improving efficiency, emphasizing preventative care, reducing unnecessary procedures, and negotiating better prices with suppliers and insurers.

Implementing cost containment strategies is essential for making healthcare more accessible to a wider population by helping to control soaring costs that often lead to unaffordable medical bills for patients. These strategies are designed to streamline operations and minimize waste, which ultimately contributes to decreased healthcare spending.

In contrast, the other options could potentially lead to increased costs rather than reductions. For example, increasing medical equipment purchases may lead to higher capital expenditures without guaranteeing improved patient outcomes. Expanding specialty services can also drive up costs, as specialized care often comes at a premium, and offering free consultations could initially seem beneficial but may not be sustainable as it could increase patient volume without sufficient offsetting income to cover costs. The goal of cost containment is to foster a more sustainable healthcare system that can serve the needs of the population effectively.