Assignment Description:

Complete ALL of the bullet points below:

• Health care planners could be more effective and efficient if they used the concept of the natural history of disease and the levels of prevention to design services that intervene at the weakest link in the chain of progression of specific diseases. Instead, most focus on high-technology solutions to preventable problems. Assess the characteristics of the medical care culture that encourage the latter approach.

• Hospitals and other health care institutions, whether voluntary or for-profit, need to be financially solvent to survive growing market pressures. Describe how this “bottom line” focus has changed the nature of the US health care system.

• The insurance industry plays a huge role in the American health care system and absorbs a significant portion of the health care dollar. A single payer system, whether it is a private company or the US government, would eliminate the complex insurance paperwork burden and free substantial funds that could be diverted to support care for the under-served. Why do you believe that so much resistance to a concept used in every other developed country has continued in the U.S.?

• Include the time management Weekly Planner to show when you will make room for your school work.
Please submit one APA formatted paper between 1000 – 1500 words, not including the title and reference page. The assignment should have a minimum of two scholarly sources, in addition to the textbook.

They want it in APA with the beginning of the paper stating what it is about and conclusion at the end

Required Source: Sultz, H. A., & Young, K. A. (2017). Health care USA: Understanding its organization and delivery (9th ed.). Jones & Bartlett. Read chapters 1 & 2.

EXPERT ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

US Healthcare System

The US healthcare system has experienced a lot of changes in terms of medical care methods and treatment protocols and financing. In terms of treatment, the US health system has been positively impacted by technologies such as electronic health records among other healthcare technologies (Sultz & Young, 2017). These technologies have allowed healthcare professionals to provide quality and safe care. In terms of financing, the US health system has experienced huge reimbursement changes.

Some of the policies that have changed US health financing include Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care programs (Sultz & Young, 2017). The purpose of this assignment is to explain characteristics of the medical care culture that have encouraged US care professionals to focus on high-technology solutions to preventable problems, how the “bottom line” focus has changed the nature of the US health care system, and why universal health care is resisted in the US.

Question 1

Certain characteristics are common in a medical culture which encourages healthcare professionals to use high-technology solutions to preventable problems. The characteristics become visible during patient examination and provision of other care services concerning the technologies. It is vital to identify the players in healthcare culture to accurately determine their characteristics and motives. In the US healthcare culture, two main players are the patients and healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and other specialists) (Sultz & Young, 2017). Other players include the hospital system and third-party payers (private and government insurance plans).

One of the medical care cultures that encourage the latter approach is instant gratification. According to Sultz and Young (2017), most healthcare planers focus on high-technology solutions to preventable problems because of the medical culture of instant gratification. Instant gratification means instant cure (Deo et al., 2020). Most patients in the US need an instant cure for acute illness, chronic disease, and pain which cannot be provided by the former. High-technology solutions can provide instant care while the former cannot. When high technologies are used, the patient is cured almost instantly.

The second characteristic is work satisfaction. Sultz and Young (2017) noted that work satisfaction is highly associated with the use of high technology to provide cures and promote disease prevention. The main objective of healthcare professionals is to provide patient care using standardized interventions.

Healthcare professionals prefer to use high technology to attain healthcare goals because it prevents them from fewer difficulties as compared to the conventional approach which relies on identifying the history of the illness to create a treatment protocol (Harerimana et al., 2019). In other words, healthcare professionals use high technology to help their patients because it achieves their care goals faster than conventional methods and thus improves their satisfaction.

The last characteristic is improved coordination of responsibilities and communication. Healthcare professionals prefer care methods that allow them to effectively coordinate and communicate when providing care to their patients. High-technology methods provide them with the opportunity to coordinate and effectively communicate making it a preferred method of care provision among the players in the US care system.

Sultz and Young (2017) noted that US care providers have recently shown interest in Electrotonic Health Records as a tool to be used in providing care. The authors argued that the tool has helped healthcare providers easily and effectively coordinate and communicate with patients and other stakeholders to provide care. EHR technology provided healthcare professionals with a single platform where they can access patient data and communicate with peers, making the high-technology care provision method the preferred approach.

Question 2

All healthcare organizations across the US strive to be financially solvent in the process of providing quality and safe care to their patients and this has greatly affected the nation’s healthcare system. One of the ways the “bottom line” focus has changed the healthcare system in the US is increasing the cost of care services. Dieleman et al. (2020) noted that Americans are paying more for their care today than in the last decade due to healthcare organizations’ focus on the bottom line.

Healthcare organizations are forced to increase the cost of care services to be able to pay for their human workforce and procure necessary products needed for care providers such as drugs, beds, ambulances, and many more (Ratna, 2020). Healthcare insurance companies have also increased the number of premiums people are supposed to pay to receive care. The rise in the cost of care has created a gap between low-income and high-income people. Only high-income individuals can access care based on the impact.

The quality of care has also been impacted by the bottom-line focus. Healthcare organizations have focused more on making a profit than providing quality care because they want to achieve the bottom line and become financially stable. There have been instances where healthcare organizations turn patients away because they do not have insurance or cannot pay for the services they seek (Ratna, 2020).

For instance, some healthcare organizations turn away patients because they cannot pay for the services or do not have insurance plans. Other facilities diagnose patients and then refer them to a smaller health center because they are afraid of not getting paid and that the patients are not good for business (Ratna, 2020). The bottom-line mentality has also led to health inequality in the US care system in that people without insurance plans or financial muscle cannot get the healthcare services they need.

Customer satisfaction has also been affected. Other healthcare organizations have resorted to employing less qualified healthcare staff to care for patients. The staff does not have the needed experience and skills to provide patient-centered care which makes patients less satisfied with the services they receive.

Question 3

The universal healthcare system (UHS) is a model that is highly discussed in the US. Under the UHS model, the government is the sole payer of all healthcare costs (Sultz & Young, 2017). The coverage means that all people have equal access to healthcare services they want, where and when they need it without economic hardship. The model removes the need for private insurance firms which often set rigid standards for individuals to access care (Giovanella et al., 2018).

Though most of the developed economies have implemented UHS, the US has not yet adopted the system used to unending resistance. Healthcare insurance firms are among the stakeholders resisting the system. They view the system as a threat to their insurance business because once the government pays for all healthcare needs, people will not have any reason to take private insurance (Zieff et al., 2020).

These firms have waged war against any faction supporting UHS by lobbying politicians and other groups to denounce the success of the plan. the firms and other interested parties are always ready to spend millions of dollars to lobby against any policy suggesting the adoption of UHS in the US. For instance, the battle about the contents of the Affordable Care Act generated about $1.2 billion in 2009 in lobbying alone (Zieff et al., 2020). The insurance industry spent over $100 to ensure that ACA did not affect private insurers.

The system has been facing a lot of resistance because American culture is mostly individualistic. In other words, Americans, especially conservatives believe strongly in classical liberalism. According to conservatives, the government should play limited in societal issues such as healthcare. UHS goes against the beliefs of American conservatives and this has made it hard for the system to be adopted in the US.

Zieff et al. (2020) argued that only a small number of the participants support the system. The majority of the people believed that government should provide limited support on matters of health. They believed that people are majorly responsible for their health and not the government.

Time Management

Tuesday:

I will spend 1 hour 30 minutes reviewing course information and reading discussion post question and assignment of the week.

Wednesday:

I will spend 1 hour working on my original discussion post and post it before midnight. I will do the post after work

Thursday:

I will spend 30 minutes reading peer’s posts and responding to one of them.

Friday:

I will spend 30 minutes reading peer’s posts and responding to one of them.

Saturday:

I will schedule 9 hours to read, research, and work on my weekly assignment. I will also read the posts for 1 hour and respond where needed.

Sunday:

I will schedule 4 hours going through the assignment and ensuring that all the elements have been included and submit the work.

Monday:

I will do the final check on the final assignment draft to ensure I have incorporated all the components and format the paper into APA. I will then submit my assignment.

Conclusion

Certain characteristics are common in a medical culture which encourages healthcare professionals to use high-technology solutions to preventable problems. They include instant gratification, work satisfaction, and improved coordination of responsibilities and communication. One of the ways the “bottom line” focus has changed the healthcare system in the US is increasing the cost of care services.

The “bottom line” focus has also negatively impacted the quality of health and customer satisfaction and increased inequalities in care provision. UHS has received a lot of resistance in the US because the culture of the country is individualistic meaning that government should minimally impact social life. The interested groups have also channeled a lot of funds into lobbying against the policy, thus increasing resistance.

References

Deo, N., Johnson, E., Kancharla, K., O’Horo, J. C., & Kashyap, R. (2020). Instant gratification as a method to promote physician practice guideline adherence: A systematic review. Cureus, 12(7), e9381. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.9381

Dieleman, J. L., Cao, J., Chapin, A., Chen, C., Li, Z., Liu, A., & Murray, C. J. (2020). US health care spending by payer and health condition, 1996-2016. Jama, 323(9), 863-884. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2762309

Giovanella, L., Mendoza-Ruiz, A., Pilar, A. D. C. A., Rosa, M. C. D., Martins, G. B., Santos, I. S., & Machado, C. V. (2018). Universal health system and universal health coverage: assumptions and strategies. Ciencia & saude coletiva, 23, 1763-1776. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018236.05562018

Harerimana, B., Forchuk, C., & O’Regan, T. (2019). The use of technology for mental healthcare delivery among older adults with depressive symptoms: A systematic literature review. International Journal Of Mental Health Nursing, 28(3), 657-670. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12571

Ratna, H. N. (2020). Medical neoliberalism and the decline in US healthcare quality. Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy [Internet], 4, 1-8. https://gs.alexu.edu.eg/new/upload/Students/0908/0908(1)703_2019-2020_Spring/0908-3-041_assignment_1.pdf

Sultz, H. A., & Young, K. A. (2017). Health care USA: Understanding its organization and delivery (9th ed.). Jones & Bartlett.

Zieff, G., Kerr, Z. Y., Moore, J. B., & Stoner, L. (2020). Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A healthy debate. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 56(11), 580. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56110580

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What are different ways a hospital generate finance for its operation?, for profit vs not for profit healthcare organizations

Exploring Various Strategies for Hospital Financing

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, hospitals play a crucial role in providing medical services to communities. However, the operation of a hospital involves substantial financial resources. To ensure seamless operation, hospitals must explore diverse avenues for generating finances. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the different ways hospitals generate finance to sustain their operations efficiently.

1. Medical Services Revenue

The cornerstone of hospital financing is the revenue generated from medical services. Hospitals offer a wide range of medical treatments, procedures, and consultations to patients. These services are billed based on the complexity and extent of care provided. Specialized procedures, surgeries, diagnostics, and consultations contribute significantly to a hospital’s revenue stream.

2. Insurance Reimbursements

Insurance partnerships are vital for hospitals as they enable patients to receive medical care without bearing the entire financial burden. Hospitals work with various insurance providers to offer cashless or partially covered treatments. Insurance reimbursements constitute a significant portion of a hospital’s revenue, facilitating access to medical care for a broader spectrum of the population.

3. Government Funding and Grants

Many hospitals receive funding from government agencies and grants aimed at supporting healthcare services. Governments at different levels allocate budgets to ensure healthcare accessibility to citizens. Hospitals that meet certain criteria and standards often receive financial aid to enhance their infrastructure, purchase equipment, and maintain quality care.

4. Philanthropic Donations

Community support plays a pivotal role in hospital financing. Many hospitals establish philanthropic initiatives to raise funds from individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations. These donations are directed towards improving healthcare infrastructure, funding research, and providing medical assistance to underserved populations.

5. Clinical Trials and Research

Hospitals engaged in medical research and clinical trials often receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and governmental bodies. By conducting cutting-edge research and participating in clinical trials, hospitals not only advance medical knowledge but also secure additional finances for their operations.

6. Outpatient Services

Beyond inpatient care, hospitals offer a range of outpatient services such as diagnostic tests, minor procedures, and follow-up consultations. The revenue generated from these services contributes significantly to a hospital’s financial stability.

7. Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborations with other healthcare institutions, universities, and research centers can bring about financial benefits. These partnerships may involve shared resources, joint research projects, and co-development of medical technologies, leading to increased revenue streams.

8. Medical Tourism

Some hospitals capitalize on medical tourism by providing specialized treatments and procedures to international patients. Medical tourists seek high-quality and cost-effective healthcare solutions, presenting an opportunity for hospitals to generate substantial revenue.

9. Telemedicine Services

In recent years, the rise of telemedicine has opened new revenue streams for hospitals. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital healthcare services allow hospitals to expand their reach beyond physical boundaries, attracting patients from various locations.

10. Health and Wellness Programs

To foster community engagement and wellness, hospitals often organize health camps, workshops, and wellness programs. These initiatives not only contribute positively to public health but also generate revenue through participant fees and sponsorships.

11. Lease and Renting Services

Hospitals with excess space or specialized equipment might lease or rent these resources to other healthcare providers. This practice generates supplementary income and fosters collaboration within the healthcare industry.

12. Pharmacy Services

On-site pharmacies provide patients with prescribed medications and over-the-counter products. The revenue generated from pharmacy sales adds to the hospital’s income and enhances patient convenience.

Conclusion

In the intricate ecosystem of healthcare, financing is a critical component that enables hospitals to provide consistent and quality medical services. This article has explored diverse strategies employed by hospitals to generate finances, ranging from medical services revenue to collaborations, grants, and innovative healthcare models. By combining these various approaches, hospitals can secure sustainable funding and continue to serve their communities effectively.

Exploring the Multifaceted Benefits of For-Profit Hospitals

In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, for-profit hospitals have emerged as significant players, offering a unique blend of services and advantages that set them apart. At [Your Company Name], we understand the crucial role that these institutions play in delivering high-quality medical care while also contributing to the local and national economy. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the manifold benefits of for-profit hospitals, shedding light on their contributions, innovation, and patient-centric approach.

1. Cutting-Edge Medical InnovationsFor-profit hospitals are at the forefront of medical innovation. With a focus on delivering state-of-the-art treatments and technologies, these hospitals invest heavily in research and development. This commitment to progress translates into better patient outcomes and enhanced medical services. From robotic-assisted surgeries to groundbreaking therapies, for-profit hospitals continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare.

2. Access to Advanced SpecialistsOne of the standout advantages of for-profit hospitals is their ability to attract and retain top medical talent. This translates into patients having access to a wide array of specialized doctors, surgeons, and medical professionals. This concentration of expertise ensures that patients receive comprehensive and specialized care for their specific conditions, often leading to faster diagnoses and more effective treatment plans.

3. State-of-the-Art FacilitiesFor-profit hospitals take pride in their modern infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities. The investment in well-designed, advanced healthcare spaces creates a comfortable and efficient environment for both patients and healthcare providers. These hospitals are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, treatment technologies, and comfortable amenities, enhancing the overall patient experience.

4. Efficient Appointment Scheduling and Reduced Wait TimesTime is of the essence when it comes to healthcare, and for-profit hospitals understand this better than most. With streamlined administrative processes and advanced scheduling systems, these hospitals minimize wait times for appointments, tests, and procedures. This efficiency not only improves patient satisfaction but also ensures that medical interventions occur in a timely manner, which can be critical for certain conditions.

5. Community Contribution and Job CreationBeyond their medical contributions, for-profit hospitals play a pivotal role in the communities they serve. Through job creation, these hospitals bolster local economies, providing employment opportunities for a diverse range of professionals, from healthcare providers to administrative staff. This economic stimulus has a ripple effect, fostering growth and prosperity on both local and national levels.

6. Research and Clinical TrialsFor-profit hospitals are often at the forefront of medical research and clinical trials. Their ability to invest in research initiatives leads to the development of new treatments, medications, and therapies. Patients benefit from access to experimental treatments that could potentially be life-changing, while the broader medical community benefits from the advancement of scientific knowledge.

7. Focus on Patient-Centric CareAt the heart of every for-profit hospital’s mission is patient-centric care. These hospitals recognize that positive patient experiences not only aid in recovery but also contribute to their reputation. As a result, they prioritize personalized care, effective communication, and compassionate interactions, ensuring that patients feel valued and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

8. Financial SustainabilityFor-profit hospitals operate within a sustainable financial framework, which enables them to invest in the best medical talent, cutting-edge technologies, and continuous improvement. This financial stability ensures the longevity of the institution and its ability to provide high-quality healthcare services well into the future.

9. Philanthropic EndeavorsContrary to misconceptions, for-profit hospitals often engage in philanthropic activities that benefit their communities. Through partnerships, donations, and outreach programs, these hospitals give back to society, addressing pressing healthcare needs, supporting education, and contributing to social welfare initiatives.

10. Comprehensive Medical Services Under One RoofFor-profit hospitals are designed to offer a wide range of medical services under a single roof. This convenience factor eliminates the need for patients to navigate complex healthcare networks and allows for seamless coordination between different specialties. From diagnostics to surgeries to rehabilitation, patients can find comprehensive care within the same institution.

In conclusion, for-profit hospitals bring a wealth of benefits to the healthcare landscape, from cutting-edge innovation and specialized expertise to patient-centric care and community contributions. These institutions not only provide top-tier medical services but also drive medical progress and economic growth. As advocates for holistic healthcare solutions, for-profit hospitals continue to shape the future of medicine, ensuring better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients around the world.

Profit vs. Not-for-Profit Healthcare Organizations: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the distinction between profit and not-for-profit organizations plays a crucial role in shaping the healthcare industry’s direction and impact on society. Both profit-driven and not-for-profit healthcare organizations contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities, but they operate under distinct models that warrant a comprehensive comparison. In this article, we delve deep into the intricacies of profit and not-for-profit healthcare organizations, shedding light on their differences, operational strategies, and societal implications.

1. Understanding Profit Healthcare OrganizationsProfit healthcare organizations, as the name suggests, operate with the primary objective of generating revenue and maximizing profits for their stakeholders, which often include shareholders, investors, and proprietors. These entities are typically privately owned and are structured to generate financial gains from their medical services, treatments, and healthcare products.

Key Characteristics of Profit Healthcare Organizations:

1. Financial Motivation: Profit healthcare organizations are driven by the pursuit of financial success. This motivation can influence decisions related to pricing, service offerings, and resource allocation.
2. Competitive Environment: Due to the profit-oriented nature, these organizations often find themselves in a competitive environment where they strive to attract patients, increase market share, and enhance their reputation to boost revenue.
3. Resource Allocation: Profit healthcare organizations allocate resources based on profitability. Services with higher profit margins may receive more focus, which could lead to variations in the quality and availability of treatments.

2. Exploring Not-for-Profit Healthcare OrganizationsNot-for-profit healthcare organizations operate with a distinct purpose – to provide high-quality medical care and services to the community without the primary goal of generating profit. These entities often reinvest any surplus funds back into the organization to improve patient care and expand services.

Key Characteristics of Not-for-Profit Healthcare Organizations:

1. Community-Centric Approach: Not-for-profit organizations prioritize the health and well-being of their patients and communities. Their focus is on delivering accessible and affordable care rather than accumulating profits.
2. Mission-Driven: These organizations are guided by a mission to serve the public’s healthcare needs. This mission-centric approach can foster a strong sense of purpose among staff, leading to a higher level of patient care.
3. Financial Sustainability: While not-for-profit organizations don’t aim for profits, they still need to ensure financial sustainability to continue their operations. They may rely on donations, grants, and government funding to support their initiatives.

3. Implications for Patients and SocietyThe distinction between profit and not-for-profit healthcare organizations has far-reaching implications for patients and society as a whole.

Impact on Patients:

• Affordability and Accessibility: Not-for-profit organizations often prioritize providing healthcare services that are more affordable and accessible to underserved populations, ensuring that medical care isn’t solely driven by financial considerations.
• Quality of Care: While both types of organizations can provide high-quality care, not-for-profit entities are more likely to reinvest resources into improving facilities, equipment, and training for medical staff, directly benefiting patients.

Societal Benefits:

• Community Well-being: Not-for-profit organizations contribute significantly to the overall well-being of communities, addressing health disparities and offering critical services to those in need.
• Health Equity: The focus on equitable access to care by not-for-profit entities can help bridge gaps in healthcare access among different socioeconomic groups, promoting a more just society.

4. Finding Common GroundIn the pursuit of effective and sustainable healthcare systems, both profit and not-for-profit healthcare organizations can find common ground to collaborate and address the diverse needs of patients and communities.

• Collaborative Initiatives: Partnerships between profit and not-for-profit organizations can combine the strengths of both models, enhancing healthcare delivery, innovation, and accessibility.
• Holistic Approach: By adopting a holistic approach that values both financial sustainability and patient-centered care, healthcare organizations can strike a balance that benefits all stakeholders.

ConclusionIn the dynamic realm of healthcare, the distinction between profit and not-for-profit organizations carries significant implications for patient care, community well-being, and societal progress. Both models have their unique strengths and challenges, but ultimately, the goal of providing high-quality healthcare remains a common thread. By understanding and appreciating the differences between these models, we pave the way for a more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare system that addresses the diverse needs of individuals and communities.