Health services class 2

Class Structure and Expectations

  • Class Centering: Every class will begin with a centering exercise for focus.

    • Late Arrivals: Those who arrive late should wait outside until the exercise is complete to minimize distractions.

  • Next Class Schedule: No class next Wednesday due to vacation on Monday.

    • Assignments Posted: Video, discussion questions, and assignments will be posted to assist students during the break.

Healthcare System Overview

  • Current Issues: The healthcare system is characterized by high costs, unequal access, and poor outcomes.

    • World Health Organization Rankings: Regular rankings of life expectancy and healthcare systems are utilized to assess progress.

  • Healthcare Spending:

    • The U.S. spends 18% of its GDP on healthcare (approximately $1 in $5).

    • Comparative spending: 12.9% in Canada (universal healthcare) and 12.8% in Germany.

      • Notable point: Despite high spending, the U.S. does not have the highest life expectancy.

Components of Healthcare Facilities

  • Types of Facilities:

    • Inpatient: Patients stay overnight (examples: hospitals, nursing homes).

    • Outpatient: No overnight stay (examples: physician offices, urgent care centers).

      • Tertiary Care: Specialized care usually provided after hospitalization (e.g., trauma care).

  • Healthcare Workforce:

    • Approximately 21 million clinicians in the U.S.

    • Fastest growing roles include personal care aides and nurse practitioners.

Equipment and Technology in Healthcare

  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Examples include MRI machines, crutches, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices.

    • Importance of DME in patient recovery and management.

Nursing Education and Scope of Practice

  • Nursing Degrees: Degrees range from LPN (2 years) to BSN (4 years).

    • Differences in Training: RN needs a BSN for full employment potential; differences in scope of practice.

  • Employment Demand: Nurse practitioners and healthcare administrators are among the most sought after careers.

Healthcare Payment System

  • Payment Mechanisms:

    • Most visits to providers are covered via health insurance, not direct payments by patients.

    • Patients often pay a copay (example scenario: $30) in addition to what insurance pays for a visit ($370 on a $400 bill).

  • Insurance Programs:

    • Medicare: Federal program for seniors and disabled, automatically provided to those who qualify.

    • Medicaid: State-based program for low-income individuals, not automatic; requires qualification.

    • CHIP: Insurance for children in families that do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

    • Veterans Administration & TRICARE: Provide insurance for veterans and active military personnel, respectively.

Conclusion and Critical Thinking

  • Encouraged to critically analyze healthcare concepts as they progress through their learning.

    • Acknowledge the complexities and challenges in accessing healthcare, especially concerning affordability and insurance coverage.