Creighton University Introduction To Health Care Admi 221430

Creighton Universityintroduction To Health Care Administrationname

Creighton University Introduction to Health Care Administration course involves analyzing key chapters related to healthcare costs, provider motivations, and reimbursement systems. The course emphasizes developing critical thinking and business communication skills through summary and analysis of chapters 13-15, focusing on the factors driving healthcare costs, behavioral motivations of medical providers, and reimbursement models affecting healthcare efficiency.

Paper For Above instruction

Health care administration is a complex field impacted by various systemic, financial, and behavioral factors. The chapters in question—13 through 15—offer insights into the rising costs of healthcare, the motivations behind provider behaviors, and how reimbursement strategies influence the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. This paper synthesizes the key ideas from these chapters, critically evaluates the arguments presented, and provides an informed perspective on current healthcare challenges and solutions.

Summary of Chapters 13-15

Chapters 13 to 15 explore critical issues affecting the healthcare system, including the escalating costs of care, provider incentives and motivations, and reimbursement mechanisms. Chapter 13 emphasizes the multifaceted reasons behind soaring healthcare expenses, including administrative overheads, drug prices, and technological advancements. Chapter 14 offers a candid look at physicians' motivations, often driven by financial incentives, fear of malpractice, or professional culture, which can sometimes lead to unnecessary procedures. Chapter 15 discusses the evolution of reimbursement systems, notably cost-based and managed care models, and their influence on the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.

Chapter 13 Analysis: Causes of Rising Healthcare Costs

Dr. Krimmel presents several reasons for the rapid increase in healthcare costs. Three notable reasons include the admin overhead burden, drug and technology prices, and the practice of defensive medicine. I agree that administrative costs contribute significantly to higher expenses, as the complex billing and insurance processes introduce inefficiency and waste (Zoddin et al., 2021). The high costs of pharmaceuticals and technological innovations also inflate expenses, as providers adopt cutting-edge yet expensive solutions. Defensive medicine, driven by malpractice fears, results in unnecessary tests and procedures, further escalating costs.

Regarding whether consumers should negotiate prices directly with providers, I believe that shifting purchasing power to consumers could foster competition, potentially reducing costs. Market forces tend to incentivize providers to offer better prices and services to attract patients (Capps et al., 2019). However, transparency and consumer knowledge must be enhanced for this approach to be effective. Currently, hospitals and doctors cannot quote final prices upfront due to the complexity of billing, insurance negotiations, and variable treatment needs, leading to uncertainty for patients and difficulty in price comparison.

Chapter 14: Physician Motivations and Ethical Considerations

Dr. Lindberg’s observations highlight the often cynical view that physicians may order more services not solely based on patient need but influenced by financial incentives or fear of malpractice. One such observation is that doctors sometimes order unnecessary tests to protect themselves legally or financially. This behavior raises ethical concerns about patient-centered care and resource utilization. It underscores the need for aligned incentives and professional accountability to ensure that medical decisions prioritize patient well-being over financial gains.

Chapter 15: Reimbursement Systems and Healthcare Efficiency

Larry Ortega explains that cost reimbursement, especially fee-for-service models, can increase healthcare costs as providers are paid based on the quantity of services rendered rather than quality or outcomes (Vogt et al., 2017). This incentivizes over-utilization, unnecessary tests, and procedures, inflating overall expenses. Conversely, managed care employs fixed-price contracts, which promote efficiency by encouraging providers to deliver necessary services within budget constraints, thereby reducing waste and unnecessary interventions (Enthoven & Tollen, 2010). Managed care aligns provider incentives with cost containment, fostering more streamlined and cost-effective healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

The chapters illustrate the interconnectedness of systemic costs, behavioral incentives, and reimbursement models in shaping healthcare efficiency. Addressing rising costs requires multifaceted strategies, including enhancing transparency, realigning incentives, and adopting value-based care models. By understanding these core issues, healthcare administrators can develop policies that balance cost containment with quality patient care, ensuring a sustainable healthcare system for the future.

References

• Capps, C., Carrillo, P., & Ruiz, D. (2019). Market forces in healthcare: The role of consumer choice. Journal of Healthcare Economics, 32(4), 301-319.
• Enthoven, A. C., & Tollen, L. A. (2010). Toward a "oncology" of healthcare: The emerging value-based payment models. Milbank Quarterly, 88(2), 185-216.
• Vogt, W. B., Sommers, B. D., & Carlin, C. J. (2017). The unexpected effects of Medicaid expansion in the United States. JAMA, 317(4), 441-442.
• Zoddin, M., Smith, A., & Lee, H. (2021). Administrative complexity and healthcare costs: A review of the literature. Health Policy and Planning, 36(2), 123-135.