Health Care Systems

What events have led to change in health care?

Wars, pandemics, new technology, changing demographics

What are some new health related changes?

New drugs, revising treatments, and emerging diseases

Why must health care workers be aware of changes?

to provide safe, ethical care

What are some current trends in health care?

cost containment, home health care, technology influence, societal shifts

What is cost containment?

controlling rising healthcare costs while achieving maximum benefits for every dollar spent

When was the Affordable Care Act passed?

2010

What are the FOUR parts of the Affordable Care Act?

1. everyone must be insured, 2.Everyone has to play, 3. help to pay, 4. fairer rules

What is the goal of the Affordable Care Act?

to get more ppl covered by insurance & cut down on cost

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

organ transplants, artificial hearts, computers for examining internal body parts, advanced tech prolongs life, but increases need for lifelong care

How does an aging population increase health care cost?

increased use of pharmaceuticals,more chronic diseases, greater demand for healthcare services

What are health related lawsuits?

expensive malpractice insurance, defensive medicine

What is defensive medicine?

ordering unnecessary tests to avoid lawsuit

What are the consequences of high cost?

limiting services to those who can pay, potentially reducing access for those unable to pay

What is a Diagnostic Related Group (DRG)

congressional attempt to control medicare/medicaid costs

What are Hospital-Acquired Conditions?

conditions acquired in hospitals

What is medicare?

care for the elderly

What is Fee-for-service?

payment per service rendered, little incentive to limit cost

What is value-based care?

bundled payments for each diagnosis/treatment type

What are HMO’s and PPO’s?

HMO- Health Maintenance Organization( primary doc, cheaper/less freedom), PPO- Preferred Provider opinion(Discount card, pay less is doc is “prefered”)

What is the combination of services?

Agencies combine services to avoid duplication (labs, clinics)

What are outpatient services?

Receiving care w/ out hospital admission (lower cost)

What is mass/bulking purchasing?

Buying in large quantities at reduced cost

What are early intervention/preventive services?

Preventing illness is more cost-effective than treating it

What is energy conservation?

Monriting & reducing energy use, Main expenses: water, gas, electricity

What is the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality?

improve 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, prevent illness

What is home health care?

all aspects of healthcare involved at home, such as: nursing care, nutritional and food services, etc

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?

Health care for old people

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 four examples of geriatric care facilities or services?

adult day care centers, 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 needs 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 five 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?

comp- used alongside conventional medical care

alt- used instead of conventional medical care

What are six examples of CAM therapies?

Ayurvedic practitioners, Chinese medication practitioners, Chiropractors, Homeopath, hypnotherapists, and naturopaths

What is pandemic preparedness?

preparing for an outbreak of disease occuring over a wide geographic area, affecting a high proportion of the population

What are two historical examples of pandemics?

1918 influenza and COVID-19 pandemic

What is biotechnology?

use of biology, uses living system to make products for health care

What are the potential benefits of biotechnology?

more effective treatments, and personalized medicine tailored to genetic profile