DQ 3-1
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Dq3-1.docx1.
In the US, there is not one type of health care system but rather a subset of systems, some of them catering to specific populations. These subsystems include managed care, military, and vulnerable populations. Managed care is a health care delivery system that seeks to achieve efficiency by integrating the basic functions of health care delivery, employs mechanisms to control utilization of medical services, and determines the price at which the services are purchased and how much the providers get paid, military health care system is available free of charge to active duty military personnel and covers preventative and treatment services that are provided by salaried health care personnel and this system combines public health with medical services, and vulnerable population subsystem offers comprehensive medical and enabling services targeted to the needs of vulnerable populations and government health insurance programs provide vulnerable populations with access to health care services (Jones & Bartlett Learning, n.d). These deliver systems are similar to what is happening today with health care reform. Health care reform strives to provide better access to health care for vulnerable populations and is taking control of how the providers are being paid through patient feedback. One change that needs to happen is the increase in health care personnel such as physicians and nurses because there is currently an ongoing shortage due to the surge in the population now being insured.
References
Jones & Bartlett Learning. (n.d). Major Characteristics of US Health Care Delivery. Retrieved from Jones & Bartlett Learning: http://www.jblearning.com/samples/0763763802/63800_CH01_Final.pdf
2.
Establishment of ACA was a huge step in Healthcare reform in the United States and thought to bring better future in health delivery system. However, some of the enactments that were implemented to deliver quality service to people created more concerns and question to system itself. According to the National Scorecard on U.S. Health System Performance (2011), indicators displayed a significant drop in the performance benchmark compare to 2008 outcomes. Indicators such as insurance premiums were higher than wages in insured population making medical bills and deductibles relatively higher than their incomes. Lack of preventive services were overlooked such as vaccine shortage or care provider consultation were missed. Quality of care was red flagged as the rates of readmission and rehospitalization were rising (Commonwealthfund.org, 2011).
Every modification in system takes time and some new implications and improvements are required. Healthcare delivery system has many indicators, in which some are working for the system and some are not working as anticipated. Hence among all, I think patient should be the main focus in any reform or policy modifications in the healthcare system. Hence, patient-centered care should be improved by modifying the culture of quality care, reinforcing skilled -motivated healthcare workforce and most importantly encouraging and reinforcing team based approach by involving patient, physicians and respected professionals to participate in delivering quality care.
Commonwealthfund.org (2011). Why not the best? Results from a National Scorecard on U.S. Health System Performance. Retrieved from: http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2011/oct/why-not-the-best-2011
3.
Our health care delivery system is faced with serious quality and cost challenges, according to Crossing the Quality Chasm (IOM, 2001). The United States health care sector consists of clinicians, hospitals and other health care facilities, insurance plans, health care purchasers, that all work in various configurations of networks, groups, and independent practices. These various entities are collectively called the health care delivery system. This system with all of the different entities involved, has created a convoluted system where insurance plans and providers scramble to keep up with the ever changing, highly competitive market.
Even though the system is convoluted, the direction of health care is moving toward quality care, which is the entire essence of health care in itself. It is providing ways to encourage and confirm the quality of care by using penalties and fees, or non payment for services when the quality of care that is expected is not met. The system is trying to move forward in ensuring that all Americans have access to quality health care.
The delivery of health care can be improved by moving to a single payer system that will eliminate much of the confusion and additional costs of so many separate entities. Savings in removing entities such as profit-oriented, multiple insurance payers will provide the funds for the program. High premiums would disappear, Co-pays and deductibles would no longer be a financial barrier for patients, and the public would gain free choice of Doctors and hospitals. PNHP suggests that 95% of all households would experience savings if this were to happen (PNHP, 2016).
References:
What is Single Payer? (n.d.). Retrieved December 20, 2017, from http://www.pnhp.org/facts/what-is-single-payer
Read "The Future of the Public's Health in the 21st Century" at NAP.edu. (n.d.). Retrieved December 20, 2017, from https://www.nap.edu/read/10548/chapter/7
4.
There are many options for health care delivery in the U.S. Our pediatric population requires so much of this care thankfully there are many places to receive care. Childrens MN offers many services for children that includes 2 hospital campuses and many clinic settings. Their services cover birth through young adultood, from the premie population to the child living with a chronic condition. Another and vital health care delivery system for kids is home health. Children should not be forced to live their lives in the hospital setting, to give them the ability to get home they need the services of a home care company. Pediatric home care is very specialized and requires staff that are not only comfortable working in home care but understand the special needs of children. "Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility." (What is home health care, 2017)
Home health care like hospitals and clinics utilizes allied health professionals. With the current shortage and the new influx of patients this shortage will continue to be an issue. Pediatrics requires a group of professionals that want to work with kids and their special needs. The ACA has made it possible for all age groups to not be denied care due to pre-existing conditions, this is fantastic but exacerbates the shortage of health care providers to patients needing care. We need to focus on an increase of people entering the medical field, building programs that will encourage people to enter this very rewarding field.
What is home health care (n.d.) Retrieved December 20, 2017 from
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/home-health-care/home-health-care-what-is-it-what-to-expect.html
