The population health nurse providing care in an economically disadvantaged city is aware of many people receiving their health care through charity systems that are set up by local physicians. The nurse is concerned because this practice can contribute to rising health care costs by:

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4. Reimbursement is limited or nonexistent in charity care, so people who utilize this system tend to be uninsured or underinsured. Uncompensated care can lead to cost shifting, where these costs are passed along to those who are able to pay, either out of pocket or through insurance. The consumer price index is not dependent on uncompensated care. Traditionally there is decreased use of technology for underinsured and uninsured populations. There is a finite number of hospital beds, which is unaffected through utilization.

The Population Health Nurse Providing Care in an Economically Disadvantaged