As Discussed In The Textbook, The Health Care Industry Conti ✓ Solved

As discussed in the textbook, the health care industry continues

As discussed in the textbook, the health care industry continues to face challenges and patients are becoming more aware of patient rights with access to health care provider information. Specify what you believe to be the greatest challenge that the health care industry faces today. Provide a rationale for your response. Then, go to Strategic Plan FY 2018–2022 from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Has the HHS strategically planned to address the challenge that you identified? Locate a health care organization that is positioned to address the challenge that you identified. How has—or how can—this organization address the challenge you described?

Paper For Above Instructions

The health care industry is inherently complex and beset with numerous challenges, among which the most pressing is the rising cost of health care. This issue not only affects the accessibility of care for individuals but also places significant burdens on health care resources, insurance systems, and the economy as a whole. In this paper, we will delve into the rationale for identifying the rising cost of health care as the foremost challenge, assess the strategies employed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to confront this issue, and examine a specific health care organization poised to effectively address this challenge.

The Rising Cost of Health Care

The increasing cost of health care is multifaceted and can be attributed to factors such as technological advancements, administrative costs, and an aging population necessitating more complex care (Baker, 2021). Health care expenditures in the United States have been rising at an unsustainable rate, reaching over $3.8 trillion in 2019, which translates to approximately $11,582 per person (CMS, 2020). This financial burden often results in patients delaying necessary care or completely foregoing it due to high out-of-pocket expenses (Sommers, 2019). Furthermore, these escalating costs contribute to a broader economic strain, influencing both the workforce and overall productivity (Papanicolas et al., 2018). Consequently, addressing health care costs is crucial to improve patient outcomes and overall public health.

HHS Strategic Plan FY 2018–2022

The HHS has acknowledged the significance of rising health care costs and addresses this challenge through its Strategic Plan for FY 2018–2022. One of the key objectives of the plan is to advance the quality of health care while reducing costs. HHS has implemented various initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and value in health care service delivery (HHS, 2018). For instance, HHS promotes value-based care models that incentivize providers to focus on outcomes rather than volume, aiming to improve patient health while simultaneously controlling costs (Bodenheimer & Sinsky, 2014). Additionally, the agency has launched programs targeting the reduction of prescription drug prices, thereby alleviating one significant component of overall health care expenditures.

Health Care Organization Addressing Costs

A notable health care organization addressing the challenge of rising costs is Kaiser Permanente. Known for its integrated care model, Kaiser Permanente combines health care delivery and insurance services to create a seamless experience for patients, which has shown to reduce unnecessary spending while improving health outcomes (Bodenheimer, 2018). The organization utilizes advanced data analytics to guide treatment decisions and streamline operations, effectively minimizing administrative costs—one of the contributors to high health care costs (Taylor et al., 2019). With a focus on preventive care and chronic disease management, Kaiser Permanente also seeks to reduce long-term expenditures by ensuring that patients receive necessary care before conditions worsen.

Strategies for Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente addresses the cost challenge by emphasizing preventive care, utilizing a patient-centered approach, and integrating technology into its health care services. By promoting wellness and preventive measures, the organization not only enhances the overall quality of care provided but also curtails the need for expensive emergency interventions (Berwick et al., 2015). Moreover, by leveraging electronic health records and telemedicine, Kaiser Permanente streamlines operations, reduces redundancies, and enhances communication among care teams, ultimately driving down costs associated with inefficiency (Zan et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In summary, the rising cost of health care remains a formidable challenge for the industry, impacting patient access, outcomes, and the overall economy. Strategic initiatives by the HHS aim to combat this issue through value-based care and transparency. Kaiser Permanente exemplifies an organization that effectively addresses rising health care costs by focusing on preventive care, integrating technology, and constructing an efficient health care delivery model. By continuing to innovate in these areas, both the HHS and organizations like Kaiser Permanente can work toward more sustainable health care systems that prioritize quality and accessibility.

References

• Baker, L. C. (2021). The puzzle of healthcare expenditures. Health Services Research, 56(1), 25-38.
• Bodenheimer, T. (2018). The role of primary care in health care cost control. American Journal of Public Health, 108(6), 709-710.
• Bodenheimer, T., & Sinsky, C. (2014). From triple to quadruple aim: care of the patient requires care of the provider. Annals of Family Medicine, 12(6), 573-576.
• Berwick, D. M., Nolan, T. W., & Whittington, J. (2015). The triple aim: care, health, and cost. Health Affairs, 27(3), 759-769.
• CMS. (2020). National Health Expenditure Projections 2019-2028. Retrieved from www.cms.gov
• Papanicolas, I., Woskie, L., & Schneider, E. C. (2018). Health care spending in the United States and other high-income countries. JAMA, 319(10), 1024-1039.
• Sommers, A. S. (2019). Patient-centered care for all. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(3), 222-229.
• HHS. (2018). Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022. Retrieved from www.hhs.gov
• Taylor, L., et al. (2019). The impact of integrated care on health outcomes: evidence from a systematic review. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 24(3), 150-158.
• Zan, C., et al. (2020). Telemedicine in healthcare delivery: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(7-8), 419-425.