Trends in the Economics and Organization of Medical Care **

In no other phase of human activity does the interaction of science and society so consistently affect the course of events as in the field of health and medical care. A continuum of change and adjustment reflects the sweep of technical progress and the swirl of sotial forces. Need and demand for health service sensitively respond to such changes-but in differing planes and patterns. Old barriers are hurdled or demolished, only to be replaced by different ones in unexpected places. Progress in medical care in the past two decades in the United States has been remarkable. Research has produced powerful new tools in the control of disease. More and better-trained health personnel are on the scene. An imposing array of modern facilities reflects our passion for construction. New medical care programs involve the great majority of the population. Increasing billions of dollars are spent each year in the booming business of health. Yet, the agenda is unfinished. Wholly new problems (unrecognizable until the present stage of progress had been attained) demand attention. The essence of the present challenge is the need for appropriate and rational organization of the resources on hand and, thereby, the! more equitable application of the powerful new tools now at our disposal.