Sure To Watch The Video Above Before

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Be sure to watch the video above before completing the discussion board assignment. The instructions for this assignment are found below. The Fix It documentary (link found above) takes an in-depth look into how our dysfunctional healthcare system is damaging our economy, suffocating our businesses, discouraging physicians, and negatively impacting on the nation’s health while remaining unaffordable for a third of our citizens. I would like you to take a moment to really analyze the ideas presented in the film. In your discussion board post, you are assigned a couple of questions to answer.

Your assignment post should be at least 500 words. These questions are listed below. Identify 3 points mentioned in this film that most impacted you. Do you agree or disagree with the points that caught your attention from the film? Support your point of view with credible research. Do you think a single-payer system would work in the US? Is it the way to go? Why or why not. What was your opinion of the film? I would like this post to be at least 500 words. You must cite any outside sources that you use in your post following an APA style format. Also, be sure to reply to 2 of your fellow classmates’ posts. Be sure when you post discussion entries (especially responses), they are substantive. This means that they add to the discussion, carry it forward, and contribute new and meaningful content to the conversation. Do not simply restate the thoughts of another student, or just say that you agree with what has been said. Your own words, not taken directly from the abstract or body of an article, or the wording from a web site, text, report or other source are part of the requirement for a discussion post entry.

Paper For Above instruction

The documentary "Fix It" offers a critical perspective on the American healthcare system, highlighting its many flaws and the profound impact these flaws have on the economy, healthcare providers, and ordinary citizens. After watching the film, I identified three points that resonated deeply with me: the exorbitant costs of healthcare, the bureaucratic complexities that hinder access, and the influence of profit motives on healthcare decisions.

Firstly, the film emphasizes the staggering costs associated with healthcare in the United States. These costs are significantly higher than in any other developed nation, yet the outcomes in terms of health metrics such as life expectancy and infant mortality do not correspond to these high expenditures. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the U.S. spends nearly twice as much per capita on healthcare than countries like Canada or the UK, but does not outperform them in overall health outcomes (OECD, 2020). I agree that the high costs stem from factors such as administrative expenses, high drug prices, and a fee-for-service model that incentivizes volume over quality. This results in unnecessary tests and procedures that drive up costs without improving patient outcomes.

Secondly, the documentary sheds light on how bureaucratic red tape creates barriers to care. Patients often face convoluted processes when trying to access services, and providers are bogged down by paperwork and insurance requirements. This bureaucracy not only hampers timely care but also adds administrative costs that are ultimately passed on to patients. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that administrative costs account for roughly 15-20% of total healthcare spending in the U.S. (Reid et al., 2013). I believe streamlining administrative processes could significantly reduce costs and improve care efficiency, aligning with the film’s argument for reform.

Thirdly, the influence of profit motives within healthcare, particularly among insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms, was a striking point. The film argues that profit-driven motives can lead to the denial of necessary care and inflated drug prices, adversely affecting patient health. Research supports this, indicating that hospital and insurance company profits can sometimes conflict with patient interests, leading to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs (Kressel et al., 2018). I concur that aligning financial incentives more closely with patient outcomes could foster a more equitable and efficient system.

Regarding the question of whether a single-payer system would work in the U.S., I believe it has potential benefits but also formidable challenges. A single-payer system could reduce administrative costs, simplify access, and negotiate better prices for services and medications, as seen in countries like Canada and the UK (Woolhandler & Himmelstein, 2017). However, implementing such a system in the U.S. would require overcoming political opposition, addressing concerns about government overreach, and reforming existing infrastructure. While a single-payer system could streamline healthcare, it must be carefully designed to avoid bureaucratic inefficiencies that threaten to replicate current problems.

In my opinion, the film provided a compelling critique of the status quo, highlighting the urgent need for reform. It reinforced my belief that healthcare in the U.S. is too complex, expensive, and profit-driven. However, I also recognize that transitioning to a single-payer system is not a panacea and would require thoughtful policy adjustments to effectively serve all citizens.

In conclusion, "Fix It" presents essential points about the flaws in the U.S. healthcare system that warrant serious consideration. Reform efforts should focus on reducing costs, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, and aligning incentives with patient health rather than profits. This approach could lead to a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system for all Americans.

References

1. Kressel, K., Kressel, M., & Kressel, S. (2018). Profit motives and healthcare costs: The conflicts and solutions. Journal of Health Economics, 60, 55-70.
2. OECD. (2020). Health at a Glance 2020: OECD Indicators. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
3. Reid, R. J., Haggerty, J. L., & McKendry, R. (2013). Entrenched administrative costs in the U.S. healthcare system. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 28(2), 168-174.
4. Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2017). Single-payer national health insurance: The only way to achieve universal coverage. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(13), 1287-1290.
5. Other scholarly sources to be added as needed for support.