Healthcare Industry

The Sustainable Health Care Facility of the Future

Textbooks :

Hayward, C. (2006). Healthcare Facility Planning: Thinking Strategically. Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.

Vickery, C.G., Nyberg, G., & Whiteaker, D. (2015). Modern Clinic Design: Strategies for an Era of Change. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Instructions: Please ensure to substantiate your response with scholarly sources and/or also a personal account of your own experience in the work place or personal life. Cite and reference work! Must be 150 -200 word count.

What reactions do you have to the ideas they presented? Include examples from the course readings or your own experience to support your perspective, and raise questions to continue the dialogue. 100 to 150 words for questions 1, 2, 6, 9, 10 & 11.

1. I agree that the changes made with CMS (center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) how changed the guidelines for how providers can bill for services.  One of the biggest changes was the upgrade of ICD codes which has expanded enormously to be more specific with diagnosis and services to bill for.  I work for a program of hospice, called palliative care, and the change over from using ICD9 codes to ICD10 was a very large task that took time to switch over to but I have come to realize that changes in health care are inevitable and to be prepared for things to change constantly.  With being a palliative care program I don't think the change was as big of an impact on us like I'm sure it was for a hospital. Our program provides education on disease progress for chronic illnesses such a chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and so on.  The amount of ICD 10 codes we use are minimal compared to what a hospital would see.  Nonetheless the codes are way more specific now which can be challenging when trying to narrow down for accuracy.

2. I think training and feedback are two important aspects of implementing electronic medical records. The users are the most important stakeholders and they should be trained properly. Their feedback should be taken seriously as this helps with post implementation changes to the system. No one likes changes but change in any organization is essential. Technology has completely transformed the health care industry and from  my experience resistance typically comes from the older generation who doesn't really understand the importance. Most are used to doing things manually. Most organizations are turning to the technology to transform their environment by cutting costs and ensuring that their revenues are coming in timely.

3. Open your web browser and search for videos, articles and other resources discussing the health care system in the United States. Look for new trends, current issues affecting the health care system, etc.

4. Discuss your findings with the class

5. As a healthcare leader, you will need to have a strong base with understanding healthcare systems. Where will health care be delivered in the future? Are these changes better or worse than current health care delivery methods? 150- 200 words

6. What challenges did the health care industry face when you entered the program?

7. The provider shortage has been a huge concern for several years. At our organization we are trying to be

proactive by hiring midline providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants to fill that gap. They take care of the more straight forward patients such as physicals, simple health conditions, and so on while the MD's act as resources and take on the more challenging cases. This has been well received by all. Have you had other experiences with ways to meet the provider shortage? 150 words

My healthcare background is not on clinical side its more on administrative side of the healthcare industry.  It's more on the medical billing side, revenue cycle. I've been working in the Durable Medical Equipment business for about 10 years now and I have seen a roller coaster type of changes in terms of rules and regulations.

In this side of the healthcare industry, providers are struggling due to severe reimbursement cuts that the government had implemented. When Medicare or CMS launched the so called "competitive bid" it somehow derailed the DME industry. Yes I do agree to the point that it drives away the false providers or those who are fraudulent.  It also drove away providers who are true and diligent in providing  quality care to their patients.

 The government should have just placed or implemented the authorization process just like HMO, and just like Medicaid or Medi-Cal here in California.  Authorization of medical necessity is the key for any beneficiaries who are in need of such medical equipment.  Competitive bid program affected many patients by not having direct access with their local providers and worse it forced the patients to be back in hospital one way or the other. Lastly, due to severe reimbursement cuts, providers are leaving the program, leaving the neediest patients without service, or semi-standard service.

8. What challenges does the industry face now, and how will impending factors cause the industry to evolve in the next 5 years?

9. Controlled substance are a huge issue right now and a challenge for many. I live near Prince's recording studio and his overdose death is continually on the news here in Minnesota. This has shed even more light on this entire topic. There are so many evolving challenges which you all will have to deal with as a healthcare leader. Along those same lines, here is an activity for you. Please share one or two health care "standout learnings" that made you look at health care in a different light.

10. Lacey on the shortages I think there should be some type of incentive and sign on bonuses for the shortage. The reason I say that is because we need more nurses and doctors so the health care industry will not lack. we need more health care workers. When I go to indeed.com and monster.com they are looking for nurses everywhere. So there should be some type of sign on bonus for new employees and plus more pay. At the hospital I worked for they was so in need of nurses that if we knew someone that was a RN we could recruit them and get a bonus as well for them staying for a certain length of time.

11. Ironically, it's all about location, location and location in regards to health care nurses or physician shortages. I work in San Diego and many of my friends are nurses and many have a difficult time finding positions, especially new grads. I've had a friend who worked in Human Resources and stated that for one nursing position they receive hundreds - yes hundreds- of applications. However, this is a highly desirable location to live in, which accounts for the high volume of applicants.

12. Reflect on everything you have learned throughout the Healthcare Administration

Write a 175-350 word paper reflection discussing the following:

· Do you feel moving forward with a profession in health care is the best option for you?

· What area within health care will you like to work in? Why?