For years, hospitals were the center of the U.S. health services system. A greater proportion of expenditures were directed to hospitals than any other providers. Hospitals were (and are) major workforce training sites, employers in the community and tend to be on the forefront of technology. As such, they are expensive places to obtain care.
Since 1972, efforts have been made to reduce hospital expenditures. How successful have these efforts been? Why or why not? Give examples where appropriate.