Healthcare Essays Examples

Health Care it Health Care Information Technology

Health Care IT

Health Care Information Technology

The days of paper-based records in health care are fading. It is widely believed that the broad adoption of clinical applications such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE) can lead to major health care savings, help eliminate medical errors, and improve healthcare outcomes for patients (Lynn, 2011). Because of such benefits, the Obama administration included automated adoptions in health care as a part of its overall agenda calling for "the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America's medical records are computerized" (Obama, 2009).

Our organization moved to PharMerica's paperless administration system after a very careful analysis and assessment of the best solution for meeting the needs of the organization's specific clinical and business practices. The new clinical system eliminates the needs for peel-and-stick labels, faxes, handwritten documentation and manual processes. The outcome has been improved workflows and overall patient outcomes. By turning to technology, we have been able to extend health information technology into the realm of patient record keeping and automated healthcare processes (Kumar & Aldrich, 2010). Today, a patient's entire medical history can be converted to digital format and stored securely for use by various entities…… [Read More]

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Healthcare System of Norway Health Policy of

Healthcare System of Norway

Health Policy of Norway

Analysis of Health Policy

Pressures on Health Care Delivery

High Cost

Ageing Population

Increased Diseases

Waiting-time Prioritization

The healthcare systems are developed to provide necessary healthcare facilities. It is also aimed to maintain health of their citizen in compliance with the state and international regulations. Norway is considered as one of the country, holding prominent place in global economy as well as growth rate and per capita income (Pontusson2011). It is also observed that the country is also similar to other states in Scandinavian region governed on the principles of a welfare state. In such context the importance of healthcare policies and systems is increased. The research is focused to investigate the policies, regulations, and healthcare system of Norway. The impacts of these polices are also reviewed in analysis and discussion sections. Finally the conclusion is formulated on the basis of secondary research.

There are two major healthcare system used in the world. These systems are based on social insurance system and Beveridge model. It is observed that both systems have their own benefits, limitations, and significance. The impacts of the system adopted in the country are also reflected on the public…… [Read More]

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Health Care in the U S and Spain

Health Care in the U.S. And Spain

What Can the U.S. Learn About Health Care from Spain?

In 2009, Spain's single-payer health care system was ranked the seventh best in the world by the World Health Organization (Socolovsky, 2009). By comparison, the U.S. health care system ranted at 37 (Satiroglou, 2009). The Spanish system offers coverage as a right of citizenship that is constitutionally guaranteed. Spanish residents pay no expenses out-of-pocket, with the exception of a few select services. They do pay for drug costs themselves and many complain about long waits to see specialists to get certain procedures. However, on average the Spanish health care system ranks better than that of the United States in many categories. Almost everyone is an agreement that the U.S. health care system is in need of serious reform. However, deciding exactly what these reform should be as a point of contention among providers, lawmakers, and average citizens. This research explores both the U.S. And Spanish health care systems. It will address the issue of whether a national health care system, such as that which is found in Spain is the solution for the ailing system in the United States.

The U.S. System

Health…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Information Systems Healthcare Information

2010). A complaint with many people who utilize this data is about the data entry with many particularly against the quality. ETO-HMIS boasts of fast implementation and transfer of data which puts them way ahead of any competitors. It is particularly imperative that there is the development for a culture where there is sharing of data. This leads to an increase in the checks for efficiency within healthcare. This data are also extremely useful in the formulation of any new strategies that may arise from necessity. Decision making also improves with the high rate of sharing data. This is because with clear facts and not avoiding of speculations, it is easier to reach agreements on the solutions.

There are various trends in the usage of the software within the healthcare industry. One of them is the vast expectation that patients have when they come to the institution. Most of the patients believe that they will get specialized treatment, which prompts the institution, to resort to the use of such software. There is also keen need for the connection between the providers of health services. This is because of the dire need to keep in contact in observation of certain aspects…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Management Information Systems Telemedicine

Therefore in the economic sense many institutions have been viewed to lay back.

Knowledge and Expertise in Telemedicine

Another challenge has to do with the limited knowledge and expertise in telemedicine as well as the need for enhanced and modified telemedicine systems. In this sense, little knowledge currently exists among medical practitioners on how to effectively and practically use various forms of telemedicine. This knowledge gap on insight into telemedicine, in effect, hinders the creativity to explore more efficient and effective modalities of telemedicine applications. As a result, teaching medical practitioners to learn and adopt this new way of accomplishing health services, through telemedicine, has become a significant hurdle to implementation Turner, 2003.

Special competence is also required before implementation of telemedicine can be allowed and render success to those concerned. In this regard, a unique term, telecompetence, was created to describe the required skills and credentials practitioners must have in order to carry out this kind of specialized work Turner, 2003.

Telecompetence is a must in order to be a health communication expert regarding telemedicine. In particular, according to Turner (2003)

, there is a three-stage process involved in such health communication aptitude. As such, telecompetence consists of;

1.…… [Read More]

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Health INS Healthcare Econ During the Ten-Year

Health INS

Healthcare Econ

During the ten-year period ending with 2009, the administrative costs and the profits of health insurance companies rose slower than other healthcare costs and came to represent an ever-shrinking proportion of healthcare premiums. Much of the increase in administrative costs can be ascribed to inflation, especially during the years prior to the recent recession, and ongoing expansions of healthcare coverage and legislation during the period also required some increases. The cost of care and the amount of care provided increased substantially during this period, however, and it is the increased demand that this placed on health insurance administrative efforts that accounts for the increases in these costs. In other words, health insurance has actually become more efficient and less costly in administrating care during this period, able to continue providing necessary administrative services for rapidly expanding healthcare needs with a relatively modest expansion of administrative needs. Health insurance companies are doing more with less, and this is why the percentage of each healthcare dollar spent that ends up goes towards health insurance administrative costs and profits has diminished year after year during this period.

2.

Should data show an increase in the percentage of healthcare dollars…… [Read More]

Health Care Information System the Study Looks

Health Care Information System

The study looks into the importance of health care information system and its latest innovation system. In this paper, I also analyze various innovated health care system which improves the delivery of services to patients. IT further looks at the case study of hospital or clinic which already using the said system. In this case the study looked at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and its pros and cons, then make a recommendation to the community health care management for adoption.

Information Technology (IT) is the best avenue, with a great potential to improve quality, safety and efficiency of Health care in the community. However, Health care information system (HCIS) can be defined as the gathering of programs and procedures, which can enable data entry, storage and the use of health care and administrative data about the patients, health care workers, health institution and other institutions connected with healthcare (Pesti?, Ozren, 2000).

Moreover, it's significant to emphasize that the goals for developing "Information System," is to improve health care. It also to make health care available to all people, regardless of geographical local and social -- economic status as stated by the World Health Organization (W.H.O) (Hawryluk,…… [Read More]

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Health Care Systems Over the Last Several

Health Care Systems

Over the last several years, America's health care system has been undergoing a tremendous amount of changes. At the heart of these transformations is the role of the federal government in regulating the delivery of various services. For some this is troubling, as it will lead to a larger form of socialized medicine. This is when consumers will have less choice and the underlying quality will decrease. While others think that the government can protect consumers and negotiate lower prices for everyone. These contrasting views are highlighting how America's health care system is a combination of government and private entities working together. To fully understand what is taking place requires looking at: the definition of the health care system, the impact of beliefs / values, providing examples of models for health care delivery and explaining how these areas are used in the U.S. Together, these different elements will highlight the way these services are provided to stakeholders in America.

Definition of a health care system

A health care system is all of the different pieces that help to deliver the various products and services to customers. These include: the facilities, insurance companies, health care provider, doctors, nurses,…… [Read More]

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Health Care Right or Privilege

At this point in time, there is growing support for the idea of universal access to healthcare. In fact, President Obama was able to draft and secure the passage of a healthcare law that is the first step towards universal access in the United States. There has been a tremendous amount of opposition to the law, which has resulted in legal challenges to the law. In an article posted by the Voice of America (VOA ) it is stated that "The U.S. Supreme Court handed President Barack Obama a major victory Thursday, upholding the key part of his controversial health care plan in a 5-4 decis ion" (VOA, 2012). As soon as the news broke, "26 states filed suit against the reform law and the challenger in the 2012 election, M itt Romney, promised to repeal the law his first day in office" (VOA, 2012). "The Obama administration had argued the 'individual mandate' is valid under the U.S. . Constitution because all Americans will need medical care at some point in their lives, and there is no practical alternative to insurance" (VOA, 2012).

There is opposition to the law, which is primarily based in the potential costs to business. It…… [Read More]

Health Care One of the Most Contentious

Health Care

One of the most contentious social issues in the United States today is the debate over the responsibility of the state to provide basic health care services for its people. Normal Daniels argues that "if social obligations to provide appropriate health care are not met, then individuals are definitely wronged. Injustice is done to them." The essence of Daniels' argument is correct. This paper will extend Daniels' argument using philosophical tradition. I believe that there is a social obligation to provide appropriate health care for people.

Plan

In this essay, I will summarize Daniels' argument, lend it support using a range of philosophical traditions and will address the most critical counterargument against the provision of health care by the state. Daniels' argument can be rooted a utilitarianism or deontological ethics with equal strength. His proposition that libertarian philosophy also supports universal health care is weaker, and indeed the libertarian case is the main counterargument to the provision of health care. However, I believe that the utilitarian perspective offers the strongest case for the provision of health care. This conclusion rests on understanding the basic role of government in our society.

Interpretation

The utilitarian case that Daniels makes for…… [Read More]

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Health Care Changes and Trends the Healthcare

Health Care Changes and Trends

The healthcare industry in currently undergoing a highly necessary phase of reform. Following the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), hospitals, physicians, patients and economists are working to determine what the legislation could mean for them. The reality though is that the myriad changes on the horizon are difficult to predict because they are determined by the intercession of a wide variance of independent forces. Indeed, as the discussion here below shows, these forces fall into the categories of Economics, Culture, Technology and Government.

Economics

Economics play an especially pertinent role in defining the healthcare experience for a great many Americans. Indeed, one of the greatest causes for reform is the inequality that permeates the healthcare system. The rate of growth in healthcare costs has far exceeded the natural rate of inflation, largely to the benefit of corporations such as insurance companies and managed healthcare firms. There has also been a high and evident correlation between wealth and quality of care. Indeed, the connection is sufficiently high to support the claim that financial security is a high level of determinant for such indicators as access to health insurance and the nature of health insurance…… [Read More]

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Health Care Economics in Economics Cost-Benefit Analysis

Health Care Economics

In economics, cost-benefit analysis assists in evaluating the costs of an approach in terms of resources spent while cost-effective analysis evaluates the costs as achieving some sort of benefit which is not evaluated in monetary terms. Moreover, cost-benefit study examines several aspects including net-present value, present value of benefit, and present value of costs; in line with this, if a project indicates that the monetary outcome is greater than initial costs, the project will be initiated (Amartya, 2000). On the other hand, cost-effective analysis requires a value judgment; since an individual is required to determine how much value is provided by the spent capital.

The other difference is that cost-benefit analysis assigns monetary value to any benefit; the analysis evaluates the benefits in terms of how effective that benefit is; however, it is difficult to quantify the monetary amount. As an example, the health sector uses cost-effective analysis to evaluate how a particular action can lengthen life; on the contrary, cost-benefit analysis measures the particular health initiative in terms of cost.

The other major difference between these two analyses is the factors that make up the study. As an example, during purchase of a car, cost-benefit analysis…… [Read More]

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Health Care Reform Policies Whatever Their Nature

Health Care Reform

Policies, whatever their nature, constitute very significant aspects to the entities over which they are supposed to act upon. These principles, in their roles of guiding decision making and governing the outcomes of such processes are so vital, especially when properly adopted by the concerned parties. This aspect applies to both the private and the public sector, a case in point being the health care reform policy. Health care provision, all through the globe comprise of very sensitive factors and as such, the need for the adoption of policies which surrounds the activities associated with the field goes without saying. Likewise, proper procedures ought to be put in place with the views of ensuring that such policies are adequately adopted and that they serve the purposes which led to their adoption in the first place. Like all the major policies, most of which associate with the functions of the government, this policy follows a well designed procedure which flow through the formulation to the implementation phases (Howard, 2005).

Health Care Reform

This refers to a wide-ranging rubric statute which is applied in the discussion of major policies that surround the creation and provision of health care and…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Spending the United States Health Care

Healthcare Spending

The United States Health Care System is probably the worst organized system. It expends double than other developed countries on health care system but face worse outcomes. The Government is running healthcare programs but still lagging behind the rest of industrial world. The healthcare expenditures are rising year by year with no significant outcomes.

Current National Health Expenditures

The national health care expenditures of United States have increased at an alarming rate since the past decade and it is still growing at a rate of 10% every year. According to the recent statistics, U.S. expend more than any industrial country on healthcare systems that is about $2 trillion or $8,000 per person but still unable to provide quality health care. These expenditures accounts 17% share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it is expected to reach at 21% by 2020.

According to the report of Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD), U.S. expend two and half times more than the average healthcare expenditures of OECD. Among the developed countries Australia, New Zealand, UK, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Canada, Japan and France, U.S. spends the most on health care system Even then stands in the row…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Reform Revised We Know That the

Healthcare Reform Revised

We know that the burden of diseases is increasing all over the world. The percentage of people suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases has considerably increased in the last decade. It is noteworthy here that the importance of preventive care now comes at par with the importance of curative care. Considering the prevalence of diseases and the health status of the American population, President Obama introduced a health care reform that is known as the Affordable Care Act or Obama Care. The role of medical care as a determinant for health has not been established as a fact yet it has been proved that early intervention, preventive care and the required management can go on to reduce the severity and even cure chronic disease. Due to this reason, medical care does have a very crucial role to play in the health status of the population. (Bunker, Frazier & Mosteller, 1995)

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the aforementioned reform on the healthcare facilities that are being provided in the southeastern region of Massachusetts. The target of this study will be a community hospital that is located south of the city of…… [Read More]

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Health Care Industry in the Last 10

Health Care Industry

In the last 10 years, health care has changed dramatically. Technology has taken over in many ways, and a lot of doctors now have their patients' records all stored electronically (St. Sauver, et al., 2013). While convenient, there are risks. Another way health care has changed over the last decade is through the survival rates for things like cancer and heart disease (Tulenko, 2009). These are still serious and life threatening illnesses, but many more people are living through them today because of the advances in treatments, medications, and technology that have made it easier to prevent and treat specific diseases and conditions. It is fascinating to see how well something can be addressed today that only a decade ago might have been a diagnosis with little to no hope attached to it. Doctors and nurses play big roles in health care, but there has also been a shift in the last 10 years to some alternative forms of medicine, as well. Additionally, more doctors are avoiding general practice and going into a specialty, making it harder for people who need generalized treatment to find a doctor who can help them (Christensen & Gronvall, 2011).

The next…… [Read More]

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Health Care Teams and Collaboration

Health Care Teams and Collaboration

Delivery system of a health system depends on numerous interfaces and multiple practitioners. There are different health care practitioners in a health care institution depending on their field of practice and their level of education. During a four-day period in a health care institution, a patient may have a chance to interact with 50 different employees of the institution. These employees are nurses, physicians, technical staff and others. For efficiency of nursing practice, critical information communications need to be accurate and precise. Therefore, this means that team communication and collaboration are essential. If teams in a healthcare organization do not communicate, the patients are at risk of injury or death due to poor care (Reeves, Zwarenstein & Goldman, 2009). Lack of a clear communication structure in the institution may result to medical errors. A medical error may occur because of lack of critical information or misinterpretation of the same information.

In today's healthcare organizations, medical errors caused by communication inefficiencies are a threat to patients. A report prepared by the Joint commission (JCHAO) states that medical errors are among the major causes of death in the healthcare system. According to the Institute of Medicine report…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Policy Systems Hong Kong Australia Vouchers

Healthcare Policy Systems: Hong Kong, Australia

VOUCHERS FOR THE ELDERLY

Healthcare Policy Systems in Hong Kong and Australia

Primary Health Care for the Elderly in Hong Kong

Primary care is the starting point in the healthcare process (PCO, 2011). A good one is made available to the public for a comprehensive, holistic, coordinated and in locations accessible to where people live or work. It also provides preventive care and optimal disease management. In Hong Kong, approximately 70% of clinical consultations are made with primary care practitioners belonging to the private sector. The public sector, on the other hand, acquires primary care from hospitals through outpatient services and the Department of Health for preventive public health services, health promotion and disease prevention and management programs and services (PCO; Woo, 2007).

Primary care has been emphasized as a priority in international for a and reports, such as the 1978 International Conference on Primary Care, the World Health Report in 2008, and the 61st session of the Regional Committee of the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific in October 2010 (PCO, 2011; Woo, 2007). In response to these initiatives, the Hong Kong government came out with a report on the…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Bill the Economic Resource

787,000 young Americans were added to the population of insured individuals, indicating a concentration on resource penetration in this specific population subset.

Administrative Impact:

The administrative implications of the Affordable Care Act are considerable and revolve mostly around the enormous undertaking of extending health coverage to a far wider number of Americans. In the text provided by Collins, we are given a sense that the primary objective of the Act is to provide public support for coverage to those currently disenfranchised by healthcare costs. Collins indicates that "the law's most significant coverage provisions will begin in 2014, with a substantial expansion in Medicaid eligibility that will cover adults earning up to 133% of the poverty level, or $29,726 for a family of four, as well as subsidized private coverage, available through new state insurance exchanges, for families earning up to 400% of poverty, or $89,400 for a family of four." (Collins, p. 4) This would denote a meaningful expansion in the responsibility taken by the U.S. government for its unacceptably high population of uninsured citizens.

Advocacy:

Upon reviewing the content of the legislation and the testimony provided by the Commonwealth Fund, it seems apparent that such a bill is absolutely…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Marketing -- Market Opportunity

Through referrals, word-of-mouth, medical communities, and online platform, market and highlight generalist and specialist doctors as one of the best in the state of California. Conduct 'marketing through reputation,' word-of-mouth marketing primarily sustained by patients/clients

Diversification

Development of a program that reaches out to a wider, less-medical-oriented market. Good Sam could develop health & wellness programs as part of its daily healthcare services. The objective of the program is to promoting a sustainable healthy lifestyle, a preventive healthcare program from a medical perspective. This is an expansion of the health clubs/communities of learners, wherein patients/clients are both informed and encouraged to participate in activities that contribute positively to their health and well-being on a regular basis

The feasibility (and eventually, viability) of diversifying into a health and wellness institution would be a radical yet effective move for Good Sam, as it has already established itself as a reputable and competitive hospital and healthcare organization with a pool of competitive doctors, coupled with high quality services, facilities, and technologies. The move to develop a health and wellness program/service within the hospital will be part of Good Sam's move to become more well-known to the communities that it serves, which are arguably…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Health Care Law Ethics Health Care

Healthcare

Health Care Law Ethics

Health care over the years has become one of the most important debates to take place within the United States of America. This fact holds particularly true for the major part of the Obama Administrations whose New Health Care policies has been criticized extremely (Zhi Qu, 2010). The world, however, is still waiting for the final curtain to rise and to witness the climax which would be a while since the complete form of the plan will be implemented in the year 2014. The full effect of the Bill therefore is still something that will be witnessed in the near future but that doesn't mean that the criticism with regards to the bill is going to subside anytime soon.

The Center that has been presented in this situation, which functions under the heading of "The North Florida Women's Center" has been defined as a not for profit organization as the mention of sliding fee scale has been made quite clear which asserts to the nature of the organization. However, since there is board of directors also involved in the description, this means that the organization, despite…… [Read More]

Health Care in the Wake on New

Health Care

In the wake on new and very contentious health care reform, many firms have undergone extensive transformations. These transformations have been predicated on both cost control and quality management. In particular quality management has had a profound impact on the underlying business operations of many health care firms. For one, firms are now finding methods in which to enhance the overall patient experience while also mitigating potential loses due to negligent means. The focus on quality management has also made firms more efficient in regards to the overall delivery of service. In particular, my firm has done extensive work with reducing elderly accidents within the facility. This quality management initiative has not only reduced costs associated with accidents, but it also has enhanced the trust and patient experience of all stakeholders within the firm (Kelly, 2011).

Identify the milestone you chose in the history of quality improvement in the first line of your posting.

Within my facility that has been significant process improvements in regards to elderly falls. This is a significant milestone as my facility was particularly prone to accidents within the elderly population. For one, the coordination, reflexes, and overall motor skills of the elderly have…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Reform Simkins v Moses H Cone

Healthcare Reform

"Simkins v. Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital"

The case of Simkins v. Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital was a case that attempted to end the segregation of African-American and Whites in the U.S. hospitals and medical professions as a whole. The case challenged the use of public funds to maintain and expand the segregated hospital care in the United States. Source of the laws related to the case are:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,

The Hill-Burton Act (Hospital Survey and Construction Act) of 1946.

The executive, legislative and judicial branch of government played important roles in the case. The judicial branch of government interpreted the law and declared the case in favor of Simkins. The legislative branch of government passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to end all form segregation in the United States while the executive branch of government implemented the Acts. The concept of the case affected the judicial decision because the case gave birth to the Civil Rights of 1964, which was a landmark, outlawed all forms of discriminations against racial, national, ethnic, minorities and women. The Act ended all form discrimination in the hospitals and workplace. The Act also…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Financial Management to Quote Jonathan Clark

Healthcare Financial Management

To quote Jonathan Clark at the beginning of his article, "Improving the revenue cycle can be a daunting task due to the scope and complexity of the interdepartmental process." Of the suggestions offered by the authors, which concept(s) give you the greatest insight into creating an improved Revenue Cycle process in the organization where you work (or one in which you are familiar)? Be sure to identify which article or author you are referencing.

In his comprehensive advisory article to improve the medical industry's revenue capturing capabilities, entitled Strengthening the Revenue Cycle: A 4-Step Method for Optimizing Payment, Jonathan Clark provides a series of sensible solutions to the ongoing dilemma of payment optimization. David Hammer also provides guidance to healthcare finance professional in his article The Next Generation of Revenue Cycle Management, by reminding them that the key performance indicators (KPIs) which dictated policy in previous years have been fundamentally altered by the shifting healthcare landscape. One component of Clark's four-pronged approach to optimizing revenue within large hospitals that appealed directly to my own experience working within the medical industry was his directive to Enhance Workflow Processes. After witnessing firsthand the ineffective and wasteful deployment of resources…… [Read More]

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Health Care Drivers for Increased

097

United States

0.109

0.093808

0.036112

0.068

Utah

0.1071

0.1401

0.035696

0.073

Vermont

0.1326

0.0988

0.040851

0.114

Virgin Islands

NA

NA

NA

Virginia

0.1048

0.0829

0.080009

0.092

Washington

0.1229

0.0669

0.027831

0.068

West Virginia

0.1293

0.0774

0.036499

0.055

Wisconsin

0.0954

0.0357

0.032367

0.097

Wyoming

0.1251

0.1453

0.053867

0.075

Notes

All spending includes state and federal expenditures. Growth figures reflect increases in benefit payments and disproportionate share hospital payments; growth figures do not include administrative costs, accounting adjustments, or costs for the U.S. Territories.

Definitions

Federal Fiscal Year: Unless otherwise noted, years preceded by "FY" on statehealthfacts.org refer to the Federal Fiscal Year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.  for example, FY 2009 refers to the period from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.

Sources

Urban Institute estimates based on data from CMS (Form 64) (as of 12/21/11).

From this entire chart, the entire increase in expenditure of Medicare was the most from the year 1990-2001. For United States, the entire increase was 10.9% in those years. Comparatively, the increase that occurred in the year 2007-2010 was only 6.8%. Even though the magnitude of growth was not the same, more or less Medicaid did have to increase its…… [Read More]

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Healthcare the Impacts of Case

"Studies of the relationship between managed care penetration in the health care market and expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service enrollees have demonstrated the existence of these types of spill over effects" (Bundorf et al., 2004).

Managed care organizations generate these types of spillover effects by increasing competition in the health care market, altering the arrangement of the health care delivery system, and altering physician practice patterns. Studies have found that higher levels of managed care infiltration are linked with lower rates of hospital cost inflation and lower physician fees are consistent with competitive effects. "Other studies demonstrate the impact of managed care on delivery system structure including hospital capacity, hospital admission patterns, the size and composition of the physician workforce and the adoption and use of medical equipment and technologies. More recent evidence has linked market-level managed care activity to the process, but not the outcomes of care" (Bundorf et al., 2004).

There are many advantages to receiving care in the managed care setting. The underlying quality of the conventional fee-for-service, individually-based practitioner circumstance has been questioned for some time. Having an organization that feels both professional and legal liability for the quality of care it provides may present greater protection…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Economics Explain the Term

This is being done by disseminating and using practice guidelines for various medical conditions and by profiling individual physicians' provision rates.

Demand side cost sharing is where patients must contribute more to their healthcare by paying more in copayments and deductibles. One recent advance in health care financing is the health savings account (HSA). These plans rely heavily on patient cost-sharing. An HSA basically provides health insurance along with a tax favored vehicle for savings. Consumers can use this money for qualified medical expenses during the current year or chose to save it for future medical expenses. They idea is that people will think twice before spending it, since spending it takes away from what they can save.

In my opinion supply side cost sharing is the best. There is so much waste and abuse that goes on in the health care industry that simply cleaning some of this up would help to tremendously reduce costs. Providers should be help responsible for the expenses that they incur and should be made to adhere to a more uniform way of doing things. It is a well-known fact that many tests are performed just because someone has insurance that will cover it.…… [Read More]

Health Economics Prepayment Healthcare System

The considerations of that which is physical and that which is fiscal in the work of Sajay (2005) are clearly polar opposites therefore in no way are they comprehensibly compatible but are destined to be at odds with one the other.

Summarization

The inherent conflict that exists between financial accounting and accounting for performance are separated by a very thin line. That differentiation is because the focus of the business, management, financial end of the hospital-industry and the physician's end of the hospital-factory is toward two very different goals. Interestingly enough those two very different dimensions in healthcare do come together at the crossroads of end results in the fact that for a patient to suffer due to malpractice, neglect, improper or lack of treatment will most necessarily affect the financial sector of the institution or organization in the realization of punitive damages in lawsuits against them. Therefore, in the view of the business, management or finance individual it is critical that exemplary care be given to the patient in coordination with providing that care in the most resourceful and efficient manner.

Importance of this Study

The importance of this particular study is the hypothesis that both the financial, business…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Occupational Safety and Health

The penalties for being out of compliance when OSHA comes knocking should be enough to motivate any healthcare facility to devise a plan to make sure that they are in compliance with OSHA's regulations. The startling thing is that it took an initiative like NEP to wake these facilities up and get them thinking about being compliant. Since they deal with people and their well being on an everyday basis, these are things that they should have been doing all along and not just because there is an increased probability of getting into trouble by OSHA.

References

Harris, S. (2012). OSHA in Health Care: Out of Sight & Out of Mind? Retreived from http://ohsonline.com/articles/2012/04/01/osha-in-health-care.aspx

Healthcare workers. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/healthcare/

New OSHA inspection initiative focuses on healthcare. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.puresafety.com/public/workingwell/?p=1209#.UAa4aFJ6REM

Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") Targets Nursing and Residential

Care Facilities. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.hancocklaw.com/p/OSHA_Newsletter_212_May_H1768037.PDF

Prepare Your Facility for the National Emphasis Program (NEP). (2012). Retrieved from http://www.whca.com/event_20120801.htm… [Read More]

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Healthcare Leadership & Prejudices Healthcare

Conclusion

Prejudice and ethical/leadership issues with healthcare are nothing new but the fight to keep those standards and ethics on an even keel and prevent racism, bigotry and predudice of any sort including based on class, money, political ideology, nationalism, and so forth should be stomped out and eviscerated whenever it can be. People are people and should treated with dignity and respect regardless of their race, gender, beliefs and so forth. Even convicted murderers and rapists should not be treated disdain due to their actions because doing otherwise lowers the ethics and standards of the healthcare community that can and should still apply at all times.

References

Callahan, M. (2008). Healthcare providers constricted by financial, legislative, and regulatory issues. The Journal of Medical Practice Management: MPM, 24(3),

143-146.

Cobaugh, D., Angner, E., Kiefe, C., Ray, M., Lacivita, C., Weissman, N., & ... Allison, J.

(2008). Effect of racial differences on ability to afford prescription medications.

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy: AJHP: Official Journal of The

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 65(22), 2137-2143.

doi:10.2146/ajhp080062

Kucinich, D. (2007). Get rid of the for-profits: healthcare can no longer be a commodity for sale to those who can afford it. Modern Healthcare, 37(47),…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Administration and Leadership Health Care in

Healthcare Administration and Leadership

Health care in the United States has progressed and improved to the point at which providers in all health care settings have defined and developed at least 4 major areas of importance for effective health care. Knowledgeable health care leaders have identified Quality and Safety; Community Health; Health Care Access and Coverage; and Leadership and Governance as key areas that must be constantly addressed and improved to provide optimal health care. The Human Research and Educational Trust has provided significant leadership in those 4 areas since its establishment approximately 60 years ago. By developing studies and assessments, as well as uniting health care leadership across the nation, HRET has exerted a great impact on health care in America.

Analysis

Two of the HRET's Major Areas and Why Each Area is Important to Health Care Administrators

The four major areas addressed by the Health Research and Educational Trust are: Quality and Safety; Community Health; Health Care Access and Coverage; and Leadership and Governance (Health Research and Educational Trust, 2007, p. 2). "Quality and Safety" is focused on the delivery of high-quality and safe health care for patients, benefiting patients and their families (Health Research and Educational Trust,…… [Read More]

Health Care System Evolution the

Originally, this included 120 days of hospital benefits and 120 days of nursing-home benefits. General revenue funds from the program would also be applied towards hospital construction equipment purchase and grants to teaching hospitals.

The second part of the law, also known as Part B, concerned physician visits. Initially, Part B was known as Eldercare, the American Medial Association's (AMA) alternative to Medicare. Mills however reformed it to become an optional part of the Medicare program and legislation. This is an option that pensioners could choose upon retirement. To receive benefits under Part B, deductions were made from recipients' Social Security checks.

The third part of the bill was Medicaid. The idea for this scheme originated during the early part of the 1960s. It was created as an alternative for the compulsory heath insurance plan suggested by the Johnson alternative. The scheme would be funded from general tax revenue, and focused specifically upon the health care needs of the poor and other qualifying individuals. Such qualifying persons included welfare recipients, the blind or otherwise disabled and the low-income elderly.

Although much better than no health care provision at all, the new bill began its career filled with trouble. After its…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Institutions Are Seeking New

Cost is one of the primary issues -- it is cheaper to go to an RN than a doctor, and walk-in clinics have lower overhead costs than physician's offices, which is of great concern to uninsured or minimally insured patients. Wait time is another concern -- clinics provide immediate treatment, patients do not have to wait for appointments for a brief, routine procedure, which insured patients may balk at if they merely wish to get a routine culture for strep throat. Using the Internet to access information about insurance and care results in lowered administrative costs for providers, less need for phone operators to provide advice, and results in additional speed for the consumer, in accessing records.

For a patient without insurance, ordering drugs online and not having to pay for a 'live' consult may be more cost-efficient, despite the higher costs of the drugs. Healthcare companies' desire to make a profit may also be 'solved' by diverting some patients to RNs, and refusing to cover routine procedures unless they are deemed absolutely urgent, causing patients to turn to less expensive venues, and by using the Internet as a way to notify parents and to keep patient records -- ideally,…… [Read More]

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Health Care Strategic Planning Over

The reason why, is because this is a sign that the quality of care that is being provided in declining. What normally happens is staff members, will often become frustrated with: health care environments that are inefficient and where management has an attitude of indifference. This is problematic, because it can spread through the organization like cancer by: eating away at the fundamentals that made the facility great.

Once this occurs, it will have an impact on: the costs, efficiency and profitability of the hospital. This is the point that this could undermine the reputation of facility and it could have an impact on the brand. When this takes place, it is a sign that many hospitals are falling into a downward spiral of: declining quality of care and increasing costs. At which point, it only becomes a matter of time until: some kind of major restructuring must occur or the facility will go into receivership. This is when it will be difficult, to address these issues, due to the fact that their image and reputation have been significantly damaged.

Clearly, there are a number of pressing issues that are affecting California Hospital Medical Center. Some of the most notable…… [Read More]

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Health Care -- SLP --

Realistically this compliance and assistance should be sought and used before, during and after negotiations with other health care organizations with which this organization might merge or enter a joint venture. Furthermore, the proposed contract itself should be passed by the FTC's Office of the General Counsel or its designee for approval before final ratification of the contract.

3. Conclusion

In order to merge and operate in a joint venture acceptable to the FTC, the organization must be mindful of Title 15 of the U.S. Code, specifically Section 7 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. § 18, Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1, 2, and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. In addition, due to the FTC's recent special interest in the mergers/joint ventures of health care organizations, particularly but not solely in connection with price fixing, the organization should assume that the FTC will take special interest in any merger/joint venture achieved by this organization. Ultimately, due to the complexity of the laws and the FTC's special interest in health care organizations, this merger/joint venture should be approached with competent and experienced legal counsel, complying with the FTC's "Horizontal Merger Guidelines"…… [Read More]

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Health Care -- Licensing Accreditation and Certification

Health Care -- Licensing, Accreditation and Certification -- Case Assignment King/Drew Medical Center

JCAHO accreditation is a formal "seal of approval" by an authorized organization while JCAHO certification is a "gold seal of approval" by a private arm of JCAHO given for adherence to high national standards. Both types of recognition provide numerous benefits and notable disadvantages, some of which overlap. A cautionary tale about official approval and the loss of it is provided by King/Drew Medical Center, which was eventually forced out of business. Fortunately, the underserved population of South Los Angeles County that was formerly served by King/Drew looks forward to the 2013 opening of the Martin Luther King-Harbor Hospital.

Body

Accreditation and Certification, Their Relative Significance, As Well As Advantages and Disadvantages

Accreditation

Accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) is a formal "seal of approval" for health care organizations meeting uniform national standards by an authorized organization. Accreditation is often deemed voluntary but is critical for certain funding and for public relations (Ornstein, 2005). The JCAHO web site outlines several advantages of accreditation, including: assisting in the organization and strengthening of safety measures for patients; enhancing the community's regard for the…… [Read More]

Healthcare Reimbursement and Billing

Health Care Reimbursement and Billing

Both Mrs. Zwick and Mr. Davis face significant issues in the presented scenarios. Mrs. Zwick has multiple considerations under Medicare Parts A, B and D, in addition to her hospital-acquired urinary tract infection. Meanwhile, Mr. Davis must address the severe time constraints and costs of COBRA in light of his job termination. These two scenarios underscore current difficulties and complexities of current health care in the United States.

Discussion of Mrs. Zwick's coverage under Medicare Parts A, B and C

Medicare Part A (often called "hospital insurance") (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011, p. 15) assists in covering inpatient hospitalization and skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011, p. 14). There is usually no monthly premium if you and/or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011, p. 28). However, if you have to buy Part A, you will have to pay up to $451 per month (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011, p. 28). Medicare Part A will cover Mrs. Zwick's 5-day inpatient hospital stay, including her semi-private room, general nursing, meals, and miscellaneous…… [Read More]

Health Care Leadership Problems Over

The idea with this part of the strategy is to be able to form some kind of a partnership with these individuals. This will help to push for a transformation inside the organization. As, these people will help to provide everyone with: a reason for adapting and pushing others to do so (indirectly). (Turner, 1999, pp. 162 -- 163)

Once this occurs, you could then have these individuals become a part of a committee. They will have the responsibility for making specific recommendations about how this can be implemented. This is important, because this will help everyone to realize that some kind of change is occurring inside the facility. Over the course of time, this will lead to shifts in the operating environment by giving people reason for embracing these changes. (Turner, 1999, pp. 162 -- 163)

The Effectiveness of the Plan

To determine the effectiveness of the plan the Human Resources department will conduct anonymous surveys every six months. They are interested in: the views of patients and employees about the facility. This will help to provide specific insights about: possible issues that could be affecting the hospital and ideas for dealing with them. (Kovnar, 2008, pp. 34 --…… [Read More]

References:

Healthcare Reform Review of Literature

(Menzel, 1990, p. 3) Fisher, Berwick, & Davis alude to the idea of integration in health care, with providers linking as well as creating networks of electronic medical records and other cost improvement tactics.

The United States and other nations over the last twenty or so years, have begun a sweeping change in health care delivery, regarding the manner in which health information is input, stored and accessed. Computer use in the medical industry has greatly increased over the last thirty years the culmination of this is fully networked electronic medical record keeping. (Berner, Detmer, & Simborg, 2005, p. 3) the electronic medical record trend began in the largest institutions first, as hospitals and large care organizations attempted to reduce waste and improve patient care, while the adoption has been much slower among physician's practices and smaller medical institutions. (Hillestad, et al., 2005, pp. 1103-1104) Prior to this time medical records were painstakingly handwritten or dictated and then recorded by an outside party and then compiled in a patient file that was limited to the setting in which it was collected, (Mandl, Szolovits, & Kohane, 2001, p. 283) took up a great deal of space and required a great deal…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Reform Ways the Healthcare

Transparency empowers consumers to become better shoppers. Economists assert that transparency stimulates productivity, for example, in exchange for money, one individual obtaining fair value. In every aspect, except healthcare, Davis points out, transparency, is supported. The contemporary dearth of transparency in healthcare has led to many Americans not being able to effectively shop for the best quality of service at acute care hospitals. Davis argues that transparency permits consumers, particularly those uninsured individual, to know actual charges, as well as the quality of services they will received.

The critical issue in Health Care Reform, according to some, Davis (2008) notes, is power. When consumers know less about the facts, those who do know possess the greater power. These with more power generally consist of "the hospitals, the insurers, and the healthcare policy makers" (Ibid., ¶ 14). Consumer-driven healthcare aims to switch the power to the consumer and the partnering provider (¶ 14).

Three significant factors relate to healthcare, cost, access, and quality.

Cost relates to the ability to adequately finance healthcare, whether through insurance or self-pay. It also links to the ability to pay copayments and deductibles.

Access does not only denote availability of services in a particular area (facilities,…… [Read More]

Bibliography:

Healthcare System in the Netherlands

Specialist doctors will normally examine only those patients who have been referred to their clinic by a general practitioner. (U.S. Department of State, n. d.)

The Government of Netherlands is not responsible or the ongoing management of the healthcare system on a daily basis which is offered by private healthcare service providers. However the government is charged with the accessibility and ensuring appropriate standards of the healthcare. A new healthcare insurance system has been launched since January 2006 under which every citizen is required to purchase a basic health insurance package. Under the basic package, one is covered medical treatment, inclusive of services by General Practitioners, hospitals and also specialists, indoor stay, dental care and different medical appliances. People working in the private sector in the Netherlands might decide buying a collective health insurance policy which can be a good alternative since it is cheaper. The fees of the basic health insurance package are calculated annually by the companies offering health insurance which are generally 95 euros monthly. In case of some people, healthcare in the Netherlands has come to be increasingly costly because of the above charge. The govt. Of Holland reimburses these instances through offering grant care. The…… [Read More]

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Healthcare - The Truth About

The experiences of seniors within the healthcare delivery system will alter how all Americans view healthcare. The healthcare delivery systems and overall organizational structure in the United States has been slow to adjust but that rest of the world is currently in flux that will migrate into our system. Technological advances in communication have made telehealth and telemedicine vialbel solutions to our outdated healthcare industry orgainzational structre. While these types of advances are only in their infancy, "...there seemed to be broad acceptance that telehealth and telemedicine had provided positive benefits to the worlds healthcare delivery system." (Telehealth Applications) Our technoloically challenged seniors have actually discovered the trend within the healthcare system and telehealth and telemedicine seems to be an advance that will find worldwide support so we as a nation will be reqquired to jump on the bandwagon.

In conclusion, this article review focused on new Healthcare Delivery Systems which will change the United States healthcare industry organizational structure. The story was an Internet based article called 'Current Telehealth Applications' on the Telehealth Applications web site. The trend of more and more seniors throughout our nation having to face the challenges associated with skyrocketing prescription costs and the fact…… [Read More]

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Healthcare Lobbyists Drugmakers Hospitals and

Each of these was included in the initial Senate bill, but was struck from the final Senate version. Despite the victories, the group isn't ready to pledge support for health reform bills. The AMA will not endorse any legislation unless Congress gets rid of the mandated payment cuts of more than $200 billion over 10 years in the government's Medicare program for the elderly. The cuts are part of Congressional action that was passed in 1997 in order to cut costs in the Medicare program, but have never gone into effect. There are also several hospitals, insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and advocacy groups that are withholding final support. Most of these groups have pledged support to health care reform in principle while working privately through lobbyists to protect their industries (Eaton and Pell, 2010).

Healthcare lobbyists range from very large companies and corporations to very small groups who are all looking to influence whatever is important to them. There are several lobbyists and a whole lot of money that make their way around Washington everyday. Some seem to have more influence than others but overall they all appear to have a very large influence when they work together.

References

BREAKING: Health…… [Read More]

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Health Care Debate Over the

At which point, the overall costs of care will be passed on to the tax payer in the form of higher taxes. This leads to a decrease in the overall quality of care and it will not slow the price increases, as the government seeks to restrict access to these services. Then, when the program becomes broken (such as: what is happening to Social Security) removing or reforming the bureaucracy is nearly impossible. (Messerili, 2010)

A second argument that many critics make about universal health care is: it will stifle innovation. Whenever, the government is running any kind of program, they will place a large number of restrictions and regulations on the industry. When this takes place, you are causing some of the best and brightest minds to seek careers in other fields, as the restrictions from the government are too cumbersome. A good example of this would be: the fear that many critics claim will happen to physicians under such a plan. Where, the government will seek to restrict the overall amount of salaries that someone can make in this field. (Wexler, 2003) This could lead to a shortage of available doctors and nurses, who leave the field because…… [Read More]

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Health Care Reform For Quite

There are a number of issues involved in health care including taxation, the fear of socialized medicine and the budget. Many Americans are opposed to higher taxes for the wealthy due to the fact that they will be the ones paying for most government spending including the proposed heath care bill. These people also argue that it's the wealthy that create jobs through investing and if their taxes are raised, there will be less investing and job creation.

As stated earlier, though Republicans believe that the American health care system needs reform, they feel that the best solution is not to hand it over to the government. The handing over of the health care system to the government has led to the fear of socialized medicine. The Republicans also believe that the American government is nearly bankrupt although the president has stated the proposed health care bill will reduce government expenses ("Republicans against Healthcare" par, 7). However, there may be a reasonable risk that it does not and the government may have to take on more debt. With these issues, President Obama has found it difficult in implementing the issues.

Conclusion:

For quite a long time, American citizens have been…… [Read More]

Sources:

Health Care Financing Delivery

WHO rates France as having the best healthcare ("World Health," 2000). In addition to universal healthcare, France also has non-profit supplementary providers, which means that the government subsidizes 70% of regular expenses but pays 100% of more expensive or long-term treatment plans (Sandier, Paris, & Polton, 2004). Money for subsidies comes from mandatory earnings contributions such as 5.25% salary, capital income, and gambling winnings (Sandier, 2004).

An argument that often arises is that people say they don't want the government deciding what medical procedures they can have. However, decisions regarding what procedures are covered by a particular health plan are made by the healthcare insurance companies, which are for-profit ("Insurance Verification," n.d.). Many people are denied treatment regardless of the illness. As already mentioned, some of the other nations with universal healthcare have supplementary plans in addition to the government plans that allow the patient more choice.

There are many arguments against, yet different methods for establishing universal healthcare coverage in the U.S. In fact, in the U.S., taxes already pay for more than 60% of U.S. health spending (woodhandler, 2002). Americans pay the highest health care taxes in the world. Citizens actually do pay for universal health coverage but…… [Read More]

Works Cited:

Healthcare How the Market for

Not only is there cost competition, but the real cost of a lot of services have actually gone down over the past fifteen years despite a tremendous increase in demand and enormous technological change. For example, the cost of conventional LASIK vision correction surgery has dropped radically, even as the procedure has become more technically superior (Herrick and Goodman, 2007).

Many experts have suggested that the solution to the health care system's troubles is to have a more market-based approach. Consumer-directed health plans are at the heart of this idea. If people are made to spend more of their own money, they'll be more practical users of care and look for better value at lower prices. This is how other industries work, and people don't complain much about them. It has been asked why health care should be any different. People think that the government should get out of the way. People should be able to shop for the best deal on the free market. and, furthermore, first-dollar, third-party payment should be reduced by encouraging high-deductible health plans (Frakt, 2010).

Health care has always been different than other markets, in large part because of the payment system. Between the doctor,…… [Read More]

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Health Care -- a Right

However, they contradict themselves trough supporting one's right to commit physician-assisted suicide, since this would virtually mean that the individual who is no longer willing to live is not provided with health care meant to prevent him or her from dying (Epstein, 1999, p. 1).

Among those opposed to the fact that health care is becoming increasingly better are those who are in their twenties and are obliged to work hard in order to pay for their own medical insurance and for that of the underprivileged (Bonner, 2010).

Contemporary health care is basically provided by groups forced to pay taxes in order for others to benefit out of the process. The fact that health care is a privilege and not a right was made obvious ever since the 1954 foundation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The name contained the term welfare with the intention of highlighting how health care was in essence a privilege and not a right. With time however, people developed a new perspective in regard to health care and they came to consider it as something that should be granted to everyone, regardless of the group they belonged to. With ethics involved in the…… [Read More]

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Health Care Systems Over the

The results were that out of the 17,937 adults surveyed: women were more likely to utilize health care services in comparison to men, whites were more inclined to seek treatment in comparison with blacks and 43% of the population sample was highly educated. The overall levels of satisfaction are: 54.9% of the sample would recommend the health care services that they were receiving to others. However, there were problems reported with underutilizing various health care services, with 46.3% of respondents reporting not receiving the services they require. At the same time, 11.3% of participants would report receiving services that were not recommended or were considered to be excessive. This is important, because this information can be used to highlight how the underlying amounts of care, can different between the various health care systems. As each country will embrace a model that mirrors the economic and political philosophy of the nation. In this case, the information from this source can be used to highlight how health care systems can be vastly different.

Furthermore, the article by Hillstead (2005) discusses how electronic medical records can improve the underlying quality of care that is being provided, at a number of different health systems.…… [Read More]

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Health Care Law Privacy and

S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Furthermore, subpart C explains the privileges and the protections of confidentiality that is attached to the patient's record along with much exception (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011).

The penalty for anyone who breaks confidentiality is imperative. In "November, 23, 2009" was increased to $11,000 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). This goes for anyone in the medical field or has access to this information. A person has to follow HIPAA precisely or face a huge fine. If one thought of this ahead of time, whether or not they own a business, then no issues would arise legally. However, sometimes this does occur, especially for those who want to harm another person, yet in the medical field the goal is not to do this to any individual, regardless, otherwise he or she could face losing their license in the process. This is a downfall to HIPAA because not everyone can pay this much and more that goes with the consequences of breaking the law. Ultimately, the choice is up to the individual and hopefully it is the right one.

One needs to understand the education setting in regards…… [Read More]

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