Chapter 2 Health Care Systems

What events have led to changes in health care?

Wars, new technologies, changing demographics, and pandemics.

What are some new health related changes?

New drugs, revising treatments, and new diseases.

Why must health care workers be aware of changes?

To provide safe and ethical care as well as be confident.

What are some current trends in health care?

Cost containment, home healthcare, technology influence, and societal shifts.

What is cost containment?

Controlling rising healthcare costs while achieving maximum benefit for every dollar spent.

When was the Affordable Care Act passed?

2010

What are the FOUR parts of the Affordable Care Act?

Everyone must be insured, everyone has to play (get insurance), government will help pay for people who can’t afford it, and more fair rules to women, children, and those who are sick.

What is the goal of the Affordable Care Act?

To get more people to be covered by insurance and cut down on costs of medications.

What are the four technological advances that add to the cost of healthcare?

Organ transplants, artificial hearts, computers for examining internal body parts, and advanced technology prolongs life but increases need for lifelong care.

How does an aging population increase health care cost?

Greater demand for healthcare services and pharmaceuticals.

What are health related lawsuits?

Lawsuits that sue for malpractice.

What is defensive medicine?

Ordering unnecessary tests to avoid lawsuits.

What are the consequences of high cost?

Limiting services to those who can pay ad potentially reducing access for those unable to pay.

What is a Diagnostic Related Group (DRG)?

A Congressional attempt to control medicare/medicaid cost by applying cost based on diagnosis.

What are Hospital-Acquired Conditions?

Conditions acquired in hospitals because of their dirtiness or such.

What is Medicare?

A federal medical program for mostly the elderly.

What is Fee-for-service?

Payment per service rendered?

What is value-based care?

bundled payments for each diagnosis/treatment type.

What are HMO’s and PPO’s?

HMO=Health maintenance organization-you have to go to primary care and then maybe go to another doctor. This is cheaper, but less freedom. PPO=Preferred provider option, which is a discount card (you pay less if the doctor is “preferred” or in-maintenance.

What is the combination of services?

Agencies combine services to avoid duplication (labs, clinics)

What are outpatient services?

Receiving care without hospital admission.

What is mass/bulk purchasing?

Buying in large quantities at reduced cost.

What are early intervention/preventative services?

Methods for preventing a disease before it is present.

What is energy conservation?

Monitoring and reducing energy use.

What is the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality?

Established in 1990, for improving quality, accessibility, equity, and affordability of care.

What is the Healthcare workers role?

Maintain quality while minimizing waste.

What is the Healthcare consumers role?

Take responsibility, know options, and prevent illness.

What is home health care?

A rapidly growing field where you get treated at home.

What are the advantages of home health care?

Lower cost than hospital stays, familiar environment for patient, and promotes independence and recovery.

What is the definition of geriatric care?

Care for the elderly.

What is the goal of geriatric care?

Meet physical, social, and emotional needs of older adults.

What two factors contribute to the growth of geriatric care?

Longer life expectancy and “baby boom” generation aging.

What are our examples of geriatric care facilities or services?

Adult day care centers, retirement communities, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities.

What is telemedicine?

Use of video, audio, and computer systems to provide medical services.

What are two methods of telemedicine?

Interactive video conferencing for consultations and exams, and transmission of medical images and data to specialists.

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Increased access to care for rural or underserved areas, decreased need for patient travel, and quicker specialist consulations.

What are three applications of telemedicine?

Remote monitoring of chronic conditions, follow-up appointments, and emergency services support.

Define Wellness

State of optimum health with a balanced relationship between physical, mental, and social well-being.

What are 5 different types of wellness?

Physical wellness, emotional wellness, social wellness, mental/intellectual wellness, and spiritual wellness.

What is the definition of Complementary and Alternative methods of health care?

Health care practices not traditionally performed in conventional medicine, often combined with standard treatments.

What are 6 examples of CAM therapies?

Ayurvedic medicine, chinese medicine, chiropractors, homeopaths, hypnotherapists, and naturopaths.

What is Pandemic preparedness?

Being prepared for a pandemic.

What are two historical examples of pandemics?

1918 influenza and COVID-19 pandemic.

What is biotechnology?

Use of genetic and biochemical processes to develop products and technologies in healthcare.

What are the potential benefits of biotechnology?

More effective treatments, personalized medicine tailored to genetic profile.