The most commonly billed diagnosis in primary care

Read the attached journal article to understand the most commonly billed diagnosis in primary care: Hypothyroidism. Note that there are varying opinions from the national agencies on current recommendations for screening. Access the agency's guidelines (ATA, AACE) and discuss any other variations noted. Once social workers have located a policy that addresses a social problem, the next step is to analyze the policy's development and potential impacts. In other words, does the policy resolve or mitigate the issue? Looking at China’s one-child policy, you would want to know whether it is indeed reducing fertility rates. Next, you would want to know if the policy has any unintended consequences that must also be addressed. For example, China’s one-child policy has led to significant labor shortages in the country. By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and practice behaviors: Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice C5.GP.A: Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social service. Related Assignment Criterion: 1. Analyze the development of the chosen policy. Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice C5.GP.B: Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services. Related Assignment Criteria: 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population. 3. Evaluate the feasibility of the policy. Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice C5.GP.C: Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. Related Assignment Criterion: 4. Identify the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population. Assignment Description In this assignment, you will analyze the federal policy you chose to address your social justice issue, including providing background of the development of the policy and evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility. Remember that the feasibility of a policy relates not only to its economic feasibility, but also to its political and social impact. You will also identify the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from most effectively reaching your targeted population. Continue to consult Congress.gov, the Government Accountability Office, public policy analysis research and reports, and other peer-reviewed research to support your analysis. Also, use the NASW Code of Ethics Web page to guide your analysis. Analyze the development of your chosen federal policy. Analyze the historical background that led to the development of the policy. Define the goals of the policy and how these goals are intended to be met, including services and programs intended to achieve the goals. Evaluate the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population. Consider how well the policy has met the needs of your target population and to what extent it improves the social justice problem you initially researched. Does the policy seem to ignore, impede, or strengthen the social functioning of the target population? To what extent does the policy meet or improve the social values of the target population? To what extent does the policy adhere to best practice ethics and best practice standards?

Introduction

Social workers play a crucial role in advocating for and promoting social justice by identifying and addressing social problems that impact vulnerable populations. One of the key tools social workers employ in this endeavor is policy analysis, which involves examining the development, implementation, and effectiveness of social welfare and economic policies. By understanding the nuances of policy development and evaluating their impact on the target population, social workers can inform policy makers and advocate for change that promotes social justice and enhances the well-being of individuals and communities.

Case Study: Analyzing the Federal Policy Addressing Hypothyroidism

In this case study, we will analyze the federal policy addressing hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. hypothyroidism is estimated to affect approximately 5% of the population in the United States, with a higher prevalence among women and older adults. The condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and mood changes, and can have significant implications for a person's quality of life and overall health.

Development of Federal Policies Addressing Hypothyroidism

The development of federal policies addressing hypothyroidism has been influenced by various factors, including medical advancements, public health concerns, and the evolving understanding of the condition's impact on individuals and society. In the 1970s, the United States Congress enacted the National Thyroid Program, which aimed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of thyroid disorders. This program led to the establishment of the Thyroid Research Center at Tufts University, which has played a significant role in advancing research on thyroid disorders and informing policy decisions.

In 1996, the President's Council on Sustainable Development released a report that highlighted the potential health and economic consequences of iodine deficiency disorders, including hypothyroidism. This report spurred further attention to the need for effective screening and treatment strategies for hypothyroidism.

In recent years, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) have issued guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism. These guidelines have been instrumental in shaping federal policies and clinical practices related to the condition.

Effectiveness of Federal Policies Addressing Hypothyroidism

Federal policies addressing hypothyroidism have played a significant role in improving the lives of individuals affected by the condition. The availability of affordable screening and treatment options has led to earlier diagnosis and management, preventing the development of severe complications and improving overall health outcomes.

One of the key achievements of federal policies in this area is the development of sensitive and specific thyroid function tests, such as the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. These tests have enabled early identification of hypothyroidism, even in asymptomatic individuals, allowing for prompt intervention and prevention of long-term health consequences.

Additionally, federal policies have supported research on the development of effective thyroid hormone replacement therapies, which have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with hypothyroidism. These therapies have been shown to alleviate symptoms, improve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of Federal Policies Addressing Hypothyroidism

The feasibility of federal policies addressing hypothyroidism can be assessed from economic, political, and social perspectives.

Economic Feasibility

The economic feasibility of federal policies addressing hypothyroidism is generally considered favorable. The cost of screening and treatment for hypothyroidism is relatively low compared to the long-term healthcare costs associated with untreated hypothyroidism, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, further enhancing the economic benefits of these policies.

Political Feasibility

Federal policies addressing hypothyroidism have generally received bipartisan support due to the widespread recognition of the condition's impact on public health. The availability of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of screening and treatment strategies has further strengthened the political support for these policies.

Social Feasibility

Federal policies addressing hypothyroidism have been well-received by the general public, as they directly impact the health and well-being of individuals and families. The availability of affordable screening and treatment options has increased access to care and improved the quality of life for many individuals affected by hypothyroidism.

Identifying Policy Constraints Inhibiting the Full Effectiveness of Federal Policies Addressing Hypothyroidism

Despite the significant progress made in addressing hypothyroidism through federal policies, certain constraints continue to hinder the full effectiveness of these efforts.

Access to Care

Despite the availability of affordable screening and treatment options, access to care remains a challenge for some individuals, particularly those from low-income or minority communities. Geographic barriers, transportation difficulties, and lack of culturally competent healthcare providers can limit access to timely and effective care.

Health Insurance Coverage

The cost of thyroid hormone replacement therapies can be a burden for some individuals, especially those with limited or no health insurance coverage. Additionally, some insurance plans may have restrictions on the types of therapies covered or the frequency of testing, which can impact the quality of care received.

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