Review Of Current Healthcare Issues If You Were To Ask 10 ✓ Solved

Review of Current Healthcare Issues If you were to ask 10

Review of Current Healthcare Issues If you were to ask 10 people what they believe to be the most significant issue facing healthcare today, you might get 10 different answers. Escalating costs? Regulation? Technology disruption? These and many other topics are worthy of discussion. Not surprisingly, much has been said in the research, within the profession, and in the news about these topics. Whether they are issues of finance, quality, workload, or outcomes, there is no shortage of changes to be addressed. In this Discussion, you examine a national healthcare issue and consider how that issue may impact your work setting. You also analyze how your organization has responded to this issue.

To Prepare: Review the Resources and select one current national healthcare issue/stressor to focus on. Reflect on the current national healthcare issue/stressor you selected and think about how this issue/stressor may be addressed in your work setting.

By Day 3 of Week 1 Post a description of the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected for analysis, and explain how the healthcare issue/stressor may impact your work setting. Then, describe how your health system work setting has responded to the healthcare issue/stressor, including a description of what changes may have been implemented. Be specific and provide examples.

Paper For Above Instructions

In contemporary healthcare, one of the most pressing issues is the escalating cost of medical services. This issue has generated widespread concern among professionals, policymakers, and the public, as it has significant implications for access to care and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. According to the World Health Organization (2020), global healthcare expenditure has risen dramatically, leading to increased financial pressure on both individuals and institutions. For this paper, I will explore the impact of healthcare costs on my work setting, which is a community health clinic, and how our organization has responded to this issue.

Healthcare costs in the United States have been rising steadily for decades, with various causes contributing to this phenomenon. Factors such as administrative inefficiencies, high prices for medical services, and the prevalence of chronic diseases significantly contribute to overall expenses (Squires & Anderson, 2015). As a community health clinic, our organization serves a diverse population, many of whom are uninsured or underinsured. The escalating costs pose a daunting challenge, as we strive to provide high-quality care within the constraints of limited financial resources.

The most immediate effect of rising healthcare costs on our work setting is the increased difficulty in accessing care. Patients often delay seeking medical attention due to high out-of-pocket expenses or reluctance to incur debt (Hoffman et al., 2021). This delay in seeking care can result in exacerbated health conditions, leading to higher long-term costs and poorer health outcomes. Moreover, the inability to afford necessary treatments can contribute to significant health disparities among low-income populations we serve.

In response to the escalating costs of healthcare, our organization has implemented several strategic initiatives aimed at improving access and managing expenses. One key strategy has been the integration of telemedicine services, which has proven effective in reducing overall costs while maintaining quality of care. According to a study by Kruse et al. (2017), telemedicine can lead to cost savings by minimizing the need for in-person visits and allowing for more efficient management of patient care.

Another significant response has been the adoption of a sliding fee scale for patients based on their income, allowing those with financial difficulties to access services at a reduced rate. This initiative has helped mitigate the impact of rising costs on our patient population, ensuring that essential healthcare services remain accessible (Buchmueller & Levy, 2018). Additionally, we have focused on community outreach and education to inform patients about available financial assistance programs and preventive measures to manage chronic conditions.

Furthermore, our clinic has actively engaged in partnerships with local organizations and government entities to secure funding for programs designed to alleviate medical costs for our patients. For instance, we have collaborated with non-profits to offer health screenings and preventive services at little to no cost, helping to remove financial barriers to primary care (Bovens et al., 2019). This proactive approach not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also emphasizes long-term wellness and preventive care, ultimately contributing to cost reductions over time.

In conclusion, escalating healthcare costs represent a significant challenge for our community clinic, affecting both access to care and the quality of services provided. However, through strategic initiatives such as telemedicine implementation, sliding fee scales, community outreach, and partnerships, our organization has taken decisive steps to address the impact of these costs. While the issue remains complex and multifaceted, our efforts demonstrate a commitment to overcoming financial barriers and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all our patients.

References

• Bovens, M., Schedler, A., & Schmidt, M. (2019). Health System Dynamics and the Role of Community Health Centers. Health Affairs, 38(4), 579-585.
• Buchmueller, T. C., & Levy, H. G. (2018). The Effect of Health Care Costs on the Use of Health Care Services. Journal of Health Economics, 58, 217-224.
• Hoffman, C., Holahan, J., & Mintz, S. (2021). The Effects of Rising Healthcare Costs on Patients’ Access to Care. American Journal of Public Health, 111(11), 1986-1991.
• Kruse, C. S., et al. (2017). Telehealth and Its Role in Transforming Health Systems: A Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(4), e123.
• Squires, D. A., & Anderson, C. (2015). US Health Care from a Global Perspective: Spending, Use of Services, Prices, and Health in 13 Countries. The Commonwealth Fund.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Global Health Expenditure Database. Retrieved from WHO.int.