Trauma care systems.

Injury is a major cause of disability and death in the United States. The effective development and implementation of trauma care systems has the potential to reduce substantially the level of morbidity and mortality otherwise suffered by trauma and injury victims. However, extant trauma care systems have been strongly affected by disruptive forces, particularly uncompensated care of the indigent. The passage of proposed federal legislation (S 15 and HR 1602) may serve to relieve some of the more financially stressed trauma centers and construct a framework for trauma care systems having a viable future. A possible long-term solution to the severe financial problems posed by indigent care could involve federally funded health insurance.