Major characteristics of the U.S health care system
Analyze major characteristics of the U.S health care system, while also allowing you a more in-depth opportunity to analyze these characteristics and understand how they specifically play a role in current trends in health care.
U.S. health care is different from any other health care setting in the world. The U.S health care environment is referred to as a system because it offers numerous features, components, and services. Understanding this system-based approach is critical for you as an allied health care professional.
For this assignment, choose two of the following 10 characteristics of the U.S. health care system.
• No central agency
• Partial access
• Multiple payers
• Imperfect market conditions
• Third-party payers
• Balancing of powers
• Litigation risks
• High technology use
• Services offered
• Quality measurement
Then, in a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, explain:
1. The role of each characteristic you chose with a focus on the impact on the current health care system.
2. Two current trends and driving forces within those characteristics that impact the current health care system.
3. The appropriate skills needed to manage these trends and issues within your scope of practice, while considering various principles of the Christian worldview.
Provide a minimum of three scholarly sources (one of these should be the textbook). For a review of the principles of the Christian worldview, see the GCU "Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work," located in the topic Resources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning of the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Sample Solution
Introduction
The United States healthcare system is a complex interplay of various factors, distinct from other global systems.
This paper will delve into two key characteristics: the absence of a central agency and the presence of multiple payers. These elements significantly influence the current healthcare landscape, shaping trends, challenges, and opportunities for allied health professionals.
No Central Agency
The United States healthcare system uniquely lacks a central agency governing its operations. Unlike many other countries with nationalized healthcare, the U.S. healthcare delivery is decentralized, with a mix of public and private entities involved. This characteristic has profound implications for the system.
Impact on the Current Healthcare System:
The absence of a central agency results in a fragmented system with varying standards of care, access disparities, and administrative complexities. While decentralization fosters innovation and competition, it also leads to inefficiencies and disparities in coverage. Without a unified approach, healthcare policies and regulations vary across states, creating challenges for providers and patients navigating the system.
Current Trends and Driving Forces:
- State-Based Healthcare Reforms: The lack of a federal mandate has led to diverse state-level healthcare reforms. This trend is driven by political ideologies and regional needs. For example, some states have expanded Medicaid eligibility, while others have implemented high-risk pools for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Rise of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): To address the fragmented care delivery, ACOs have emerged as a collaborative approach involving providers, hospitals, and insurers. These organizations aim to improve care coordination and quality while reducing costs.
- Value-Based Care: As a response to rising costs, the healthcare industry is shifting towards value-based care models, which focus on quality outcomes rather than fee-for-service payments. This trend is driven by payers and policymakers seeking to improve efficiency and patient care.
- Consumer-Driven Health Plans: With increasing healthcare costs, consumers are taking on more financial responsibility. This has led to the growth of high-deductible health plans and health savings accounts, empowering individuals to make healthcare decisions.