What happened to modern health care? It seems that over the years, modern healthcare has radically transformed into a bureaucratic organization. Furthermore, our social institutions are increasingly Macdonalized. According to the article What is McDonaldization? “McDonaldization is the term coined by George Ritzer to describe a sociological phenomenon occurring in our society.” In essence, McDonaldization is a process of rationalization, albeit taken to extreme levels” (Mcdonalization.com). Macdonalization is seen as a form of bureaucracy, which Ritzers describes as dehumanizing. Many of the characteristics of McDonaldization can easily be examined in the healthcare system, from a routine or physical exam to a visit to the emergency room. In the past, healthcare was more simplistic in nature. For example, doctors knew their patients in a more personal way. Additionally, it was not uncommon to monitor patients and make house calls. Doctors also made follow-up appointments and stayed in regular contact with their patients. Compassion for the patient was very present at that time. However, profit is now becoming the most important element of the healthcare system. According to NP Oddessy, “like in a fancy restaurant, the more tables they can turn over in a shift, the more money they make. Hospitals use beds rather than tables. Health care has been broken down into small parts, like an assembly line of care” (NP oddessy.com). We can see how health care is moving toward a beaucratic organization by examining four components: calculability, efficiency, predictability, and control. In a hospital environment, the calculability is quite clear. According to the article What is McD...... middle of paper ......520Business>."The McDonaldization of Society by G. Ritzer - Anglo Higher® publishes news, commentary and opinions on global higher education, lifelong learning and vocational training." The McDonaldization of Society by G. Ritzer - Anglo Higher® publishes news, commentary and opinions on global higher education, lifelong learning and vocational training. Hamid Yeganeh, 2009. Web. March 17, 2014. "McDonaldization.com - What is it?" McDonaldization.com - What is it? Rogue Valley Group, 2009. Web. March 15, 2014. .Ritzer, George. “The McDonalization of Society.” (nd): n. page. Social vision: the beaucratization of society. Internet. March 17. 2014. .