Dr. Martins Office - Case 18 Dan Newlin 1.

The customer is the Professor who suffers from diarrhea, gastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. He wanted to consult with Dr. Martin about his problems. The professors wife also sees Dr. Martin. 2. The primary players are: Dr. Martin (Primary Care Physician) Betty (Dr. Martins nurse) Wendy (Assistant Director of Staff Benefits) Candy (Director of Staff Benefits) Hilda (Nurse Practitioner) Doctors refer or supply patients to hospitals as well as provide services to patients while in the hospital. 3. The main issues in the health care delivery supply chain relates to agency
dilemma and lack of coordination mechanisms. The physician maintains an important responsibility in fulfilling the insurance contract as well as ensuring service quality. In meeting these responsibilities, an agency conflict can arise between reducing costs, as a representative of the health plan and hospital, and ensuring quality as an agent for the patient. Lack of coordination with regards to financial or contractual arrangement amongst physicians, hospitals, and patients is also a challenge in the health care delivery supply chain. One solution to the lack of coordination mechanisms is partner relationships which are comprised of trust, commitment, and shared vision with the hospitals admitting attending physicians. !artner relationships influence the integrative information and resource strategy and entrepreneurial culture of a hospital, both of which ultimately motivate integrative "#$ practices. %. &octors usually know whats best for their patients in what prescriptions to take, tests to find out the underlying cause of the visit, and other services needed. "ometimes they can prescribe more e'pensive medications, unneeded tests, or other services that cost the patient more money. These acts could be considered unethical (ust like when &r. $artin refused to refer the professor for more affordable care at )ealth#heck.