Concerns on Healthcare Delivery

¶ … Medical Care Services

The current delivery of health care services represents one of the most important subjects for discussion both in the Obama Administration as well as the Republican one and the Administrations that preceded the Bush one. Regardless of political color, it must be pointed out that the health care system in the United States does not only depend on the ideological orientation, but also on the people and their own beliefs in terms of human action and interaction. It is a clear fact that "Ten years ago, the U.S. healthcare system was declared "broken," and it has not improved. Fixes promised by managed care have not materialized. Premiums are rising. Hassles for patients and physicians abound. Nearly 45 million Americans are uninsured." (Garson, 2000)

One of the most severe problems facing the health care system in the United States is the discussion that is being held between those that argue health care system is the representative of a social state and the ones that consider health care as part of the minimum basis of social care that a state is mandatory to provide to its citizens in response to the social contract that the citizens of the state signed, through citizenship, with the governing bodies.

One of the main issues surrounding the system is represented by the fact that, despite citizenship, people do not have access to the health care system through insurance. This is to say that, no matter the social contributions, the minimum health care structure does not allow the average American to benefit from life saving treatment. The main reason for this is the economic crisis that took its toll on all socially assisted societies. Until 2008-9, the health care system relied heavily on the way in which the state would be able to provide assistance for every tax payer. However, as the funds from the local and federal government were reduced dramatically, people felt that the state is misrepresenting them in terms of the free assistance that can be provided. Nowadays, it is more and more difficult to comprehend the degree to which the state can cover the medical expenses of its citizens. Hence, the main problem in this case is related to a change in perspective and at the same time of approach.

Another issue that is significant for the way in which the state acts as a guardian of social welfare is related to the actual funds that the recent Obama administration is willing to invest in the health care system. It must be pointed out that health represents a top priority for every government around the world because it provides the backbone of the working class and at the same time of the production means. However, the trend is that the state no longer assists its individuals in this case, but rather it promotes private health care systems that allow for a better and more comprehensive health care coverage that, at the same time, reliefs some of the stress posed on the public system.

Finally another major issue that is facing the care system relates to the burdening bureaucracy that determines the system in itself to react too slow to the needs of the patients. These needs vary from the immediate need of medical care in emergency cases to the payment plans that allow patients to actually cover their medical expenses in installments. Given budget cuts and a reorganization of the medical care system that has been going on for years now in the form of a reform of the system, there is a decrease in the medical resources available for the population and the time for reaction in case of emergency become therefore longer, endangering even the lives of people.

How can an orthopedic surgical physician assistant help

The problems that arise as a result of insufficient funding or reform approaches affect the individual at the basic levels and eventually the quality of the medical care services. Indeed, there are few means thru which one can influence the decisions that are taken at the highest levels especially given the fact that those decisions are taken with due considerations for aspects, information, and elements that are beyond the common understanding of the population. However, it is the human responsibility of those that have dedicated their lives to helping people to be able to do it at the best of their capacity. This is why I believe that despite the issues facing today's medical care system, each individual part of this system can make a difference in the everyday life of his or hers patients.

I believe that as an orthopedic surgical physician assistant, I would ensure a better care and treatment for the patients. The role of the assistant is precisely that to connect with the patient at the moment when he or she arrives in the hospital. Given that more and more medical doctors are stretched over a larger number of patients as a result of the reformation of the system, the role of the assistant is all the more important. He represents the first contact with the patient and can provide the necessary psychological comfort to allow the patient to relax and have the necessary confidence in the medical care unit provider. Therefore, one of the most important roles the assistant plays in this case is that of being the first point of contact for the patient.

Currently, there are serious discussions on the way in which the system can be improved so that to allow more space to pre-emptive care rather than reactive medical care. This is particularly important in cancer cases in which studies have shown that pre-emptive care can save lives and financial resources. More precisely, "he groundbreaking study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) [4] has demonstrated the importance of pre-emptive coordinated care in protecting patients from potentially progressing to irreversible lymphedema. Using pre-operative and post operative surveillance, the investigators identified lymphedema in an early, pre-clinical fluid state. The study was highly successful in returning patients back to pre-operative baseline measurements. Other randomized control trials have shown the importance of early intervention and a preventative approach" (ImpediMed, 2012). This case can be identified as a pattern for the entire array of medical care. The conclusion would be that a pre-emptive approach not only improves the chances of a resolution of medical situations but, at the same time, it allows for an earlier identification of medical issues and treatment can be lighter, less harmful, and less expensive.

Given the above, the role of the assistant can also include medical counseling and education of patients. Even so, "As a highly-valued member of the health care team, the scope of an individual PA's practice varies dramatically by setting, specialty, and the responsibilities delegated by the physician" (Yale School of Medicine, 2013) The role of the assistant is crucial in the sense that it has the necessary means and time to focus on the patient at large and to allow time for consultation and for advice. This is an important aspect because people need to be aware of potential issues that may affect their health. In the current situation of the medical care system, this role is vital because it can prevent people reaching the hospital in more serious conditions.