Using South University Online Library Or The Internet Re

Using The South University Online Library Or The Internet Research Ab

Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research about the changes to Medicare. Based on your research and understanding, respond to the following: Describe the changes to Medicare that are direct results of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Analyze and explain the possible impacts upon the health care system as more Americans gain access to health care. Explain the ways in which increased access to health care may affect baby boomers either positively or negatively. Explore the role technology plays in accessing health care and on the Patient Protection and Affordable Act. Analyze and explain the two new technologies that have affected health care in the past five years. Analyze and describe the two new technologies that will be needed in the years ahead to keep up with the aging baby boomers.

Paper For Above instruction

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 has significantly impacted the landscape of Medicare, transforming its structure to improve access and sustainability. Key changes include the reduction of Medicare reimbursement rates for hospitals and providers, the introduction of value-based purchasing programs, and measures to close the Medicare Part D "donut hole," which previously limited drug coverage for beneficiaries (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). One of the most notable shifts was the expansion of preventive services covered under Medicare, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management of chronic diseases, which are prevalent among the elderly (McCarthy, 2019).

The broader implication of these reforms is a potential enhancement in the quality of care and a reduction in long-term healthcare costs by promoting preventive health measures. However, these changes also pose challenges, including increased administrative burdens on healthcare providers and the need for significant adaptation to comply with new payment models (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2021). As more Americans, including seniors, gain access to healthcare through ACA provisions, the demand for healthcare services is poised to rise, potentially straining existing infrastructure and workforce capacity. Increased coverage could lead to earlier diagnoses and better disease management, ultimately reducing emergency care utilization and hospitalizations, which in turn might improve overall health outcomes and reduce costs (Shin et al., 2021).

For baby boomers, increased healthcare access carries both positive and negative implications. Positively, it means better management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, which can enhance quality of life and prolong independence (Schoen et al., 2019). Increased screening and preventive services can decrease late-stage disease diagnoses, reducing mortality rates among this cohort. Conversely, some baby boomers may face negative outcomes, such as increased out-of-pocket expenses despite insurance coverage or the psychological burden of managing complex health needs (Ginsburg & Gondi, 2020). Additionally, the transition toward value-based care might lead to changes in provider-patient interactions, emphasizing efficiency over personalized care, which could negatively impact patient satisfaction for some individuals.

Technology plays a crucial role in expanding healthcare accessibility and improving care coordination, especially in the context of the ACA. Telehealth services have become vital, allowing patients to consult healthcare providers remotely, thus overcoming geographical and mobility barriers (Davis et al., 2020). Electronic Health Records (EHRs) facilitate the seamless sharing of patient information among providers, improving accuracy and reducing redundant testing (Buntin et al., 2011). These technological advancements align with the ACA's emphasis on preventive care and lower costs by supporting proactive, coordinated management of patient health.

Over the past five years, two significant technological innovations have transformed healthcare delivery. The first is the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms in diagnostic processes, enabling faster and more accurate detection of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions (Esteva et al., 2019). These tools assist clinicians in making better-informed decisions, improving patient outcomes. The second is wearable health monitors and mobile health applications that track vital signs, physical activity, and medication adherence in real-time, empowering patients to participate actively in their health management (Piwek et al., 2016).

Looking ahead, two technologies are crucial to addressing the needs of the aging baby boomer population. Firstly, advanced telehealth platforms integrated with AI can facilitate remote monitoring and early intervention for chronic illnesses, reducing hospital admissions and enhancing quality of life (Keesara et al., 2020). Secondly, the development of personalized medicine through genomics and bioinformatics will enable tailored treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles, improving efficacy and reducing adverse effects (Manolio et al., 2019). These innovations will be pivotal in managing the complex health needs of an aging population while optimizing healthcare resources.

In conclusion, the ACA has initiated substantial reforms to Medicare, improving emphasis on preventive care, efficiency, and access. The integration of emerging technologies such as AI, telehealth, and personalized medicine is essential to meet the evolving needs of the aging baby boomer demographic. While these technological advances promise enhanced care delivery, they also require investment, regulation, and adherence to ethical standards. Ensuring that technological progress translates into equitable and high-quality healthcare for all will be a defining challenge for the coming decades.

References

• Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D. (2011). The benefits of health information technology: A review of the recent literature shows predominantly positive results. Health Affairs, 30(3), 464-471.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). Medicare reforms and initiatives. CMS.gov. https://www.cms.gov
• Davis, J., et al. (2020). Telehealth: A technological revolution in healthcare. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(11), e17260.
• Esteva, A., et al. (2019). A guide to deep learning in healthcare. Nature Medicine, 25(1), 24-29.
• Ginsburg, P. B., & Gondi, S. (2020). The impact of health policy changes on the elderly: A focus on Baby Boomers. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 45(2), 317-336.
• Kaisera Family Foundation. (2020). The ACA and Medicare: Key provisions. https://www.kff.org/medicare
• Keesara, S., et al. (2020). The digital future of healthcare delivery. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(19), 1785-1788.
• Manolio, T. A., et al. (2019). Implementing genomic medicine in the clinic: The future is here. Genome Medicine, 11(1), 1-7.
• McCarthy, J. F. (2019). Preventive care in Medicare: Changes and challenges. Health Affairs, 38(4), 629-636.
• Schoen, C., et al. (2019). How increased access impacts health outcomes among the elderly. The Milbank Quarterly, 97(1), 236-259.
• Shin, P., et al. (2021). Healthcare utilization trends in the wake of the ACA. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 36(3), 761-768.