This Assignment Requires Essay Questions Based On The Source

this assignment requires essay questions based on the sources below1

This assignment requires essay questions based on the sources below:

1. LearnScapes for Health Care Delivery and 2. Niles, N. Basics of the U.S. Health Care System, Third Edition. New York: Jones & Bartlett. Based on Chapter 8, answer the following questions:

1. Describe Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit.

Based on Chapter 10, answer the following questions:

2. Discuss the impact of electronic health records on the healthcare industry. Identify three reasons that the EHR should be implemented. What are three barriers to implementation?

3. What is telehealth? What is telemedicine? How do these concepts impact how physicians and patients interact?

Based on Chapter 12, answer the following questions:

4. In your opinion, what are the ethical issues regarding pharmaceutical marketing to physicians?

5. What are the five basic values that all health care providers should observe?

6. What are the four models identified by Veatch (1972) that apply to the doctor-patient relationship?

7. What are Institutional Review Boards and why are they important to healthcare ethics?

Based on Chapter 13, answer the following questions:

8. The elderly experience higher rates of mental health illness. Discuss four reasons why mental health issues are not always properly diagnosed in the elderly population.

9. Identify the types of mental health professionals that provide services.

10. Identify and discuss the differences between the two types of mental health commitment law.

11. Discuss mental health issues and the homeless population. Provide statistics regarding mental health care and the homeless.

12. Discuss mental health issues with the military.

Paper For Above instruction

The American healthcare system is a complex, multifaceted structure that encompasses various programs, policies, and ethical considerations. This essay explores critical aspects of healthcare, including Medicare Part D, electronic health records (EHR), telehealth, ethical issues, and mental health challenges, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless, and military personnel.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit

Medicare Part D is a federally funded program introduced in 2003 to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. It provides coverage through private insurance plans approved by Medicare, enabling seniors and certain disabled individuals access to necessary medications. The program is vital for managing chronic and acute health conditions, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and improving medication adherence among the elderly population. Medicare Part D operates through a structured plan with premiums, deductibles, and copayments, along with formularies that specify covered medications. Its implementation has significantly enhanced the comprehensiveness of Medicare by including prescription drug coverage, which was previously limited.

The Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Electronic Health Records have revolutionized healthcare by digitizing patient information, which enhances accuracy, accessibility, and coordination of care. Three reasons for implementing EHR include improving patient safety through better medication management, facilitating quicker access to patient histories, and supporting clinical decision-making with integrated data. However, barriers such as high initial costs, resistance from healthcare providers, and concerns over data security impede widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, EHRs have been instrumental in advancing healthcare quality and efficiency by enabling seamless information exchange across providers and institutions.

Telehealth and Telemedicine

Telehealth broadly encompasses the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to provide health-related services remotely, including health education, monitoring, and consultations. Telemedicine specifically refers to the clinical services delivered by healthcare professionals via telecommunications. Both concepts significantly influence physician-patient interactions by increasing accessibility, especially in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth and telemedicine facilitate real-time consultations, remote monitoring, and follow-up care, thus expanding healthcare reach and improving patient engagement while also posing new challenges related to technology adoption and privacy concerns.

Ethical Issues in Pharmaceutical Marketing

The ethical issues surrounding pharmaceutical marketing to physicians revolve around conflicts of interest, transparency, and undue influence. Physicians may experience bias from promotional activities that encourage unnecessary prescriptions or favor specific drugs, potentially compromising patient care. Ethical dilemmas also include the promotion of off-label uses and the marketing of high-cost medications without adequate evidence of superior benefit. Maintaining integrity requires balancing commercial interests with the obligation to prioritize patient health and adhering to ethical standards set by professional organizations.

Values Healthcare Providers Should Observe

All healthcare providers should observe values such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity. Beneficence emphasizes acting in patients’ best interests, while non-maleficence underscores avoiding harm. Respect for autonomy ensures patients make informed decisions about their care. Justice pertains to fairness in resource distribution, and fidelity reflects loyalty and trustworthiness in the provider-patient relationship. Upholding these principles fosters ethical practice and promotes trust in healthcare systems.

Models of the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Veatch (1972) identified four models: the priest-patient model, the collegial model, the contractual model, and the trustee model. The priest-patient model reflects a paternalistic approach where the doctor makes decisions, assuming authority. The collegial model views the physician and patient as partners collaborating on decisions. The contractual model emphasizes informed consent and autonomy, where both parties agree on treatment plans. The trustee model positions physicians as stewards of patient health, with a focus on beneficence and trust. Each model influences how care decisions are made and patient engagement levels.

Institutional Review Boards and Healthcare Ethics

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are committees that review and oversee research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are upheld. IRBs are crucial in protecting participants from harm, ensuring informed consent, and maintaining the rights and welfare of subjects. By evaluating research protocols, IRBs foster ethical integrity in scientific studies and safeguard public trust in healthcare research practices.

Mental Health in the Elderly

Despite higher prevalence rates, mental health issues in the elderly are often underdiagnosed due to factors such as overlapping symptoms with physical illnesses, stigma, cognitive decline impairing self-reporting, and a lack of mental health screening in routine care. Additionally, healthcare providers may attribute symptoms to aging rather than mental health conditions, leading to missed diagnoses. Addressing these barriers requires increased awareness, specialized training, and integrated mental health assessments within geriatric care.

Types of Mental Health Professionals

Mental health services are provided by diverse professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication; psychologists focus on psychotherapy and psychological testing; social workers provide therapy and support services; while nurse practitioners offer medication management and counseling. The multidisciplinary approach facilitates comprehensive mental health care tailored to patient needs.

Legal Aspects of Mental Health Commitment

Mental health commitment laws can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary commitment allows patients to seek treatment willingly, respecting autonomy, whereas involuntary commitment involves legal procedures to hospitalize individuals posing a danger to themselves or others, often without consent. These laws balance individual rights with societal safety, requiring judicial involvement and periodic review to protect citizens’ civil liberties.

Mental Health and Homelessness

Mental health issues are prevalent among the homeless, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% suffer from some mental disorder. Barriers to care include lack of insurance, stigma, and difficulty accessing services. Many homeless individuals experience comorbid substance abuse disorders, which complicate treatment. Statistics indicate inadequate mental health resources for this population, making targeted outreach and integrated services essential for addressing their needs.

Military and Mental Health Challenges

Military personnel face unique mental health challenges due to exposure to combat, PTSD, and the stress of military life. Studies reveal that a significant portion of veterans suffer from mental health conditions, yet stigma and barriers to care prevent many from seeking help. Implementing orientation programs, providing accessible services, and reducing stigma are critical steps toward improving mental health outcomes for military members. Addressing these issues is vital for their well-being and reintegration into civilian life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, healthcare in the United States is shaped by intricate policies, ethical considerations, technological advancements, and societal challenges. Understanding these multifaceted issues is vital to promoting equitable, ethical, and effective healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless, and military personnel. Continuous efforts toward ethical practice, technological integration, and targeted support can improve health outcomes and uphold the core values of medical practice.

References

• Niles, N. (Year). Basics of the U.S. Health Care System, 3rd ed. Jones & Bartlett.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Medicare Part D factsheet. CMS.gov.
• HealthIT.gov. (2022). Benefits and barriers of Electronic Health Records.
• American Telemedicine Association. (2021). Telehealth FAQs.
• Strapatsakis, P. (2018). Ethical issues in pharmaceutical marketing. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(3), 193–198.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Veatch, R. M. (1972). Models of the Physician-Patient Relationship. The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 1(4), 323-338.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Guidelines for Ethical Practice. APA.
• Fazel, S., et al. (2014). Mental health of homeless people: A systematic review. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(2), 142–159.
• Hoge, C. W., et al. (2004). Combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health problems, and barriers to care. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(1), 13–22.