Apa Format In-Text Citation And References Guide 839722

Apa Format In Text Citation References Include 1 Pagehow Might The

Apa Format In Text Citation References Include 1 Pagehow Might The

APA format, in-text citation, references include, 1 page How might the ways in which we produce, deliver, and pay for care be changed in order to increase access, improve quality, and the cost of healthcare services? dig through the different layers and dimensions of the US healthcare system to be able to see some of the underlying challenges, issues, barriers, and real opportunities that are part of the "big picture." So, from that big picture perspective, what would you change about the US healthcare system to make it better? Pick one aspect and support your decision with credible evidence. Provide the decision-making framework you applied to answer this question.

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The United States healthcare system is a complex and multifaceted network characterized by various challenges that hinder access, affordability, and quality of care. To address these issues effectively, it is critical to analyze the system's underlying layers and identify strategic points for reform. One significant aspect that warrants attention is the payment structure—specifically, moving from fee-for-service (FFS) models toward value-based payment (VBP) systems. This transformation has the potential to enhance care quality, control costs, and increase access for underserved populations.

The current fee-for-service model rewards volume rather than value, encouraging unnecessary procedures and inefficient resource utilization (Porter, 2010). Consequently, this leads to escalating healthcare costs without commensurate improvements in patient outcomes. Evidence suggests that transitioning to value-based payment systems can foster more efficient, patient-centered, and outcome-oriented care. For example, the Medicare Value-Based Purchasing Program incentivizes providers to improve quality metrics while controlling costs, resulting in better health outcomes (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2020).

Implementing a comprehensive shift toward VBP requires a strategic framework to guide decision-making. The Decision-Making Framework for Policy Change is a useful model that incorporates stakeholder analysis, evidence-based evaluation, and resource assessment (Kelly & Breen, 2012). Applying this framework involves examining the interests of various stakeholders—including patients, providers, insurers, and policymakers—and evaluating the impact of payment reform on each group. It also emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in designing incentives that align provider behaviors with desired health outcomes.

The benefits of adopting VBP are substantial and well-supported by research. For instance, Jensen et al. (2014) found that hospitals participating in VBP programs demonstrated significant improvements in quality metrics, such as reduced readmissions and mortality rates. Additionally, such systems encourage providers to focus on preventive care and care coordination, which can reduce long-term costs and improve patient satisfaction (Berwick, 2016). Furthermore, shifting payment structures can diminish disparities in healthcare access by incentivizing providers to serve underserved populations, given that reimbursement is tied to outcomes rather than volume.

Resistance to change is an inevitable challenge, often stemming from entrenched interests vested in the existing FFS model. Addressing this requires comprehensive stakeholder engagement and phased implementation strategies. Policymakers should also ensure adequate data infrastructure to monitor outcomes and facilitate transparency (Miller & Scholle, 2018). Financial incentives should be balanced with support systems for providers to transition to new models effectively.

In conclusion, reforming the payment system from fee-for-service to value-based models offers a promising pathway to improve access, enhance quality, and reduce healthcare costs in the United States. Guided by a strategic decision-making framework, such a transition can be managed effectively, aligning provider incentives with patient outcomes and fostering a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.

References

  • Berwick, D. M. (2016). Whole systems improvement: The central challenge. BMJ Quality & Safety, 25(4), 255–258. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004772
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2020). Medicare Payment Policy. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/HealthPlanSupplyChain/Downloads/Value-Based-Purchasing.pdf
  • Jensen, G. A., et al. (2014). The Impact of Value-Based Purchasing on Hospital Quality and Cost. Journal of Healthcare Management, 59(4), 270–282. https://doi.org/10.1097/JHM-D-13-00070
  • Kelly, D., & Breen, S. (2012). Decision-Making Frameworks in Public Policy. Policy Studies Journal, 40(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0072.2012.00406.x
  • Miller, R., & Scholle, S. (2018). Transition strategies for value-based care. Healthcare Financial Management, 72(3), 32–38.
  • Porter, M. E. (2010). What is value in health care? New England Journal of Medicine, 363(26), 2477–2481. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMP1011025

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