Download The Report “Options For Reducing The Deficit: 2017

Download the report “ Options for Reducing the Deficit: 2017 to 2026 â€

Download the report “Options for Reducing the Deficit: 2017 to 2026” from the Congressional Budget Office website. Read Chapter 5 of the report. Select one of the health options listed. Select a health care facility or service (e.g., hospital, physician practice, long-term care facility, ambulance service, pharmacy, or skilled nursing facility), and evaluate the effects that implementing the health option would have on that facility or service. Write a 350- to 525-word article about your evaluation and proposed changes to the facility or service that can help mitigate negative effects. Publish the article on your own social media account (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.), or post it on a health care message board of your choice. If you do not have a social media account, send it to the instructor via email, and they will post it for you. Cite this as: Social Media via Dr. Midge Elkins. Include a citation of your article in your reference page. Cite 3 reputable references to support your assignment (e.g., trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, or other sources of similar quality).

Paper For Above instruction

In an effort to address the growing financial challenges in the United States healthcare system, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has proposed various options for reducing the federal deficit over the period from 2017 to 2026. One notable health policy option involves implementing cost-saving measures in the healthcare sector that could significantly impact different healthcare facilities and services. For this analysis, I have selected the policy of reducing reimbursements for outpatient prescription drugs and evaluated its potential effects on community pharmacies, which serve as essential points of care for many patients nationwide.

Community pharmacies are pivotal in ensuring medication adherence, providing health screenings, and offering patient education. Should reimbursement rates for prescription drugs be reduced as proposed, pharmacies could face financial constraints that threaten their operational stability. This measure might lead to decreased medication availability, increased medication costs for patients, and a potential reduction in pharmacy services, especially in underserved communities. Such effects could diminish access to essential medications, escalate health disparities, and adversely impact patient outcomes.

To mitigate these negative effects while aligning with federal cost-saving initiatives, pharmacies could adopt several strategic measures. First, integrating pharmacy-based services with broader healthcare systems can optimize resource utilization and improve efficiency. Implementing medication synchronization, enhancing the use of electronic health records, and expanding clinical services like immunizations and chronic disease management can create additional revenue streams. These measures can help offset reductions in reimbursement and improve overall financial sustainability.

Additionally, pharmacies can leverage technology to reduce operational costs. Automating prescription filling, enhancing inventory management, and adopting telepharmacy services can reduce staffing and overhead expenses. Investing in health IT systems could streamline workflows, decrease errors, and improve patient satisfaction.

Moreover, advocating for policy adjustments that recognize the value of community pharmacies in healthcare delivery will be crucial. Engaging with policymakers to highlight the role of pharmacies in preventive care and medication management can foster support for fair reimbursement rates. Building alliances with healthcare providers and participating in value-based care models can also demonstrate the importance of maintaining pharmacy services amidst fiscal constraints.

In conclusion, while reducing reimbursements for outpatient prescription drugs may pose challenges to community pharmacies, proactive strategies focusing on integration, technology adoption, and policy advocacy can mitigate these adverse effects. Ensuring the sustainability of pharmacies is essential for maintaining accessible, high-quality care for diverse populations, especially as healthcare moves toward more value-based models.

References

  • American Pharmacists Association. (2020). The role of community pharmacies in health care. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(4), 425-432.
  • Congressional Budget Office. (2017). Options for Reducing the Deficit: 2017 to 2026. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/52338
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Value-based care in pharmacy practice. https://www.hhs.gov
  • National Association of Chain Drug Stores. (2019). Impact of reimbursement policies on community pharmacy operations. NACDS Reports.
  • Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2018). Innovations in pharmacy: Advancing medication management through technology. Pharmacy Times, 84(6), 24-27.

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