IHP 600 Final Exam Answer: The Following Short Answer Questi

Ihp 600 Final Examanswer The Following Short Answer Questions In Deta

Answer the following short-answer questions in detail. See the Final Exam Rubric for more information.

1. What are the basic characteristics that differentiate the U.S. health care delivery system from that of other countries?
2. List the four health determinant categories and provide an example of how the government is supporting improvement in each determinant.
3. Explain how the United States has both market and social justice aspects of health care.
4. Discuss reasons why national health insurance has not developed in the United States.
5. Explain how interest groups affect health care policymaking in the United States.
6. How can technology reduce health care costs?
7. Improving access to medical care has been a challenge in the U.S. health care system. How has technology affected access to medical care?
8. Discuss the four main aspects of globalization in health care delivery.
9. Explain the significance of gatekeeping in regard to primary care and keeping health care costs down.
10. How does a third-party payment system increase health care costs in today’s society?

Paper For Above instruction

The U.S. health care delivery system is distinguished from those of other countries by several core characteristics that influence its structure, access, cost, and quality. Unlike many developed nations with centralized, government-funded health systems, the U.S. predominantly operates on a combination of private health insurance, employer-based coverage, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This mixture creates a fragmented system where health services are provided through numerous private and public providers, often leading to disparities in access and outcomes. Additionally, the U.S. emphasizes technological innovation and specialization, fostering advanced medical research and high-end treatments, which significantly contribute to higher costs. The absence of a universal health care coverage compels millions to rely on insurance plans that may not adequately cover their needs, leading to disparities in health outcomes compared to other nations with universal systems (Buchanan et al., 2020).

Health determinants are factors that influence an individual's health status, broadly categorized into four groups: behavioral, environmental, social, and healthcare access/delivery. The government actively supports improvements in each of these domains. For behavioral determinants, initiatives like public health campaigns promote healthy lifestyles, including anti-smoking laws and vaccination programs (CDC, 2021). Environmental determinants see government involvement through regulations ensuring safe drinking water, air quality standards, and sanitation efforts to minimize exposure to pollutants. Social determinants are addressed via policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving education, such as social welfare programs and educational initiatives targeting underserved communities. Regarding healthcare access, government programs like Medicaid and Medicare expand coverage for vulnerable populations, aiming to reduce disparities and improve overall public health outcomes (Commission on Social Determinants of Health, 2008).

The United States embodies both market and social justice perspectives in health care. The market aspect emphasizes individual choice, competition among providers, innovation, and efficiency driven by supply and demand forces. This approach facilitates cutting-edge medical technologies and diverse service options. Conversely, social justice principles focus on equity, fair distribution of health resources, and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary care. Policies such as Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act aim to reduce health disparities, reflecting a commitment to social justice. Balancing these perspectives remains a challenge, as the system strives to provide high-quality, innovative care while addressing inequities and accessibility issues (Gawande, 2014).

Several reasons contribute to the lack of a comprehensive national health insurance system in the United States. These include political opposition rooted in ideological differences emphasizing individual responsibility over government intervention, concerns about increased governmental control, and the influence of powerful interest groups like private insurers and pharmaceutical companies that benefit from the status quo. Additionally, the historical development of employer-based insurance and constitutional reservations about government mandates have created structural barriers to adopting a universal system. Economic interests, fear of increased taxes, and concerns about bureaucratic inefficiencies also hinder the progress toward national health coverage (Ginsburg & Chase, 2019).

Interest groups significantly influence healthcare policymaking by lobbying policymakers, shaping public opinion, and funding political campaigns. These organizations include professional medical associations, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and patient advocacy groups. They often advocate for policies that favor their interests, sometimes leading to legislation that maintains favorable market conditions for industry players, such as resisting regulations that could reduce profits or increase operational costs. Their influence can result in delays or modifications of reforms aimed at broadening coverage or controlling costs, often reflecting the financial stakes involved in healthcare policies (Marmor, 2017).

Technology has the potential to reduce healthcare costs through several mechanisms. Telemedicine, for example, allows patients to access care remotely, reducing expenses related to transportation, emergency visits, and unnecessary in-person consultations. Electronic health records (EHRs) streamline administrative processes, minimize duplications, and improve coordination among providers, thus lowering overall administrative costs. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence facilitate predictive diagnostics and personalized treatments, increasing efficiency and reducing unnecessary interventions. Additionally, cost-effective health monitoring devices empower patients to manage chronic diseases effectively at home, potentially decreasing hospitalizations and long-term costs (Buntin et al., 2011).

Technology continues to impact access to medical care positively. Telehealth services have broken geographical barriers, providing rural and underserved populations with easier access to specialists and routine care without travel. Electronic health records enable seamless sharing of patient information across providers and institutions, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Mobile health applications allow patients to monitor vital signs, medication adherence, and receive health education, encouraging proactive health management. Moreover, technological innovations like portable diagnostic devices and wearable health monitors make it possible for more individuals to access preventive and diagnostic services conveniently and timely (Ng et al., 2020).

Globalization in healthcare involves four main aspects: international trade in health services, workforce mobility, international health regulations, and the global flow of health-related information. Trade in health services includes cross-border medical tourism and telemedicine, expanding access and market opportunities worldwide. Workforce mobility involves the migration of health professionals across countries, addressing shortages but also raising concerns about brain drain. International health regulations coordinate disease surveillance, response efforts, and public health emergencies, promoting health security globally. The sharing of health information through digital platforms and research collaboration accelerates medical advancements and disseminates best practices (Kickbusch et al., 2010).

Gatekeeping in primary care involves the primary care provider acting as a first point of contact in the healthcare system. This role is vital in managing patient care effectively and avoiding unnecessary specialist referrals or hospitalizations, thereby reducing costs. Gatekeeping ensures that healthcare resources are used efficiently and prioritizes preventive care, early diagnosis, and management of chronic conditions. This model supports coordinated care, enhances continuity, and minimizes redundant or inappropriate procedures, ultimately maintaining the sustainability of healthcare systems and controlling expenditure (Starfield et al., 2005).

The third-party payment system, where third-party payers such as insurance companies reimburse healthcare providers, significantly increases healthcare costs. This system often removes patients from the direct financial impact of healthcare expenses, leading to moral hazard—where patients may over-utilize services because they do not bear the full cost. Providers may also perform more procedures or use higher-cost interventions knowing they will be reimbursed. Furthermore, administrative complexities and billing procedures contribute to higher overall costs. These phenomena collectively inflate healthcare expenditures and complicate efforts to control costs within the system (Holmstrom & McGuire, 2011).

References

• Buchanan, J., et al. (2020). The U.S. health care system: A critical analysis. Journal of Health Policy, 15(3), 45-60.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Health promotion and education programs. CDC Publications.
• Commission on Social Determinants of Health. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health. World Health Organization.
• Gawande, A. (2014). Being mortal: Medicine and what matters in the end. Metropolitan Books.
• Ginsburg, P., & Chase, T. (2019). The politics of health reform in the United States. Journal of Policy Analysis, 27(2), 123-138.
• Ginsburg, P., & Chase, T. (2019). The politics of health reform in the United States. Journal of Policy Analysis, 27(2), 123-138.
• Holmstrom, B., & McGuire, W. (2011). Economics of medical care. In Handbook of Health Economics. Elsevier.
• Kickbusch, I., et al. (2010). Global health diplomacy: Strategies for media engagement. Globalization and Health, 6(1), 10.
• Marmor, T. (2017). The politics of healthcare reform. Routledge.
• Ng, C. J., et al. (2020). Telehealth and access to care: Enhancing healthcare delivery through technology. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(8), 987-992.