Discussion On Licensing, Credentialing, And Certification

Discussion Licensing Credentialing, Certification, And Privileging

Discuss: Licensing, Credentialing, Certification, and Privileging According to Shi & Singh (2017), “some features of the U.S. health care delivery have remained stable, but the future will be determined by how certain forces of change interact… serious challenges lie ahead unless the nation can control rising consumption of health care resources, the costs associated with them, and mend an economy that has not meaningfully improved in several years” (p. 358). Based on your learnings, discuss 2 or 3 improvement recommendations (eliminating political preference) for the current U.S. health care delivery system. Support your recommendations with scholarly references, use subheadings, words.

Paper For Above instruction

The United States health care system faces ongoing challenges related to rising costs, unequal access, and variable quality of care. To address these issues effectively, it is essential to identify systemic improvements rooted in evidence-based strategies rather than political influence. This essay proposes three critical recommendations: implementing a unified health information system, expanding access through a universal coverage approach, and emphasizing value-based care models. These recommendations aim to enhance efficiency, equity, and quality in the health care delivery system.

Implementation of a Unified Health Information System

One of the vital steps toward improving the U.S. health care system is the integration of a comprehensive, universal health information technology (IT) infrastructure. Currently, disparate electronic health records (EHRs) hinder seamless information sharing among providers, which can result in duplicated tests, medical errors, and fragmented care. According to Adler-Milstein et al. (2015), the implementation of interoperable EHR systems enhances care coordination, reduces costs, and improves patient safety. A unified system ensures that patient data are accessible across different providers and settings, enabling more informed decision-making and better management of chronic conditions. The transition requires significant investment and policy directives to standardize data formats and privacy protections, but the long-term benefits include improved health outcomes and reduced administrative costs.

Expanding Access through Universal Coverage

Another critical recommendation involves expanding health coverage to achieve universal access. The current system leaves many Americans uninsured or underinsured, leading to delayed care and poorer health outcomes (Shi & Singh, 2017). Transitioning toward a single-payer or hybrid model that ensures everyone has access to essential health services can address disparities and reduce the reliance on emergency departments for primary care. Evidence from countries with universal coverage, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, demonstrates that such systems can provide comprehensive care at lower per capita costs (Gailey & Ownby, 2019). Implementing a universal system in the U.S. would require policy reforms that focus on equitable financing mechanisms and the inclusion of preventive services, ultimately reducing downstream costs related to untreated illnesses.

Emphasizing Value-Based Care Models

Shifting from fee-for-service reimbursement to value-based care models is essential to improve quality and control costs. Value-based care incentivizes providers to focus on outcomes and patient satisfaction rather than quantity of services rendered (Shi & Singh, 2017). Programs such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) and bundling payments encourage preventive care, chronic disease management, and efficient resource utilization. The success of these models depends on accurate measurement of quality and outcomes, as well as aligned financial incentives. Research shows that value-based models can lead to better health outcomes, reduced unnecessary procedures, and more patient-centered care (McClellan et al., 2018). Institutionalizing such models nationwide can significantly enhance system performance and sustainability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the U.S. health care system can be substantially improved by establishing a unified health information infrastructure, expanding access through universal coverage, and implementing value-based care models. These strategies, grounded in empirical evidence and devoid of political influence, are crucial to addressing the systemic challenges of rising costs, disparities, and variable quality. Future reforms should prioritize these evidence-based approaches to build a more equitable, efficient, and high-quality health care ecosystem that meets the needs of all Americans.

References

• Adler-Milstein, J., desRoches, C. M., Kaushal, R., et al. (2015). Electronic health records and engagement of office-based physicians: National survey results. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 22(3), 542-550.
• Gailey, S., & Ownby, R. (2019). Universal health coverage in Canada and the United Kingdom: A comparative analysis. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 8(4), 210-217.
• McClellan, M., McKethan, A. N., Lewis, J. M., et al. (2018). A national strategy to put value "on the table" in health care. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(14), 1395-1397.
• Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2017). Chapter 12 Cost, access, and quality. In Essentials of the U.S. health care system (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2017). Chapter 14 The future of health services delivery. In Essentials of the U.S. health care system (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.