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Health Care Utilization: Challenging Yet Beneficial

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Health Care Utilization: Challenging yet Beneficial
Heidi Dunn
HCS/235 Version 3
May 14, 2014
Mrs. Glorinda Pastorius, RN, MSN, CCRN

Health Care Utilization: Challenging yet Beneficial
When considering different options for seeking healthcare there are several things to consider. Many people today have health problems that are classified as chronic. Often times, health insurance is un-obtainable because of how expensive it is and the income that most people make simply cannot cover the costs. In addition to this burden, other challenges must be overcome to utilize health care. So how do people find ways to take care of themselves? One option for lower income individuals is the utilization of Medicaid. Medicaid is a government funded health care program that offers coverage for people with lower incomes.
Need
John Q. is a patient that qualifies for Medicaid. This patient has a predisposing condition of chronic high blood pressure. In addition to this, there is a genetic factor present illustrating that heart problems run in his family. This enables him to receive care that may help prevent him from complications that arise from having high blood pressure. Recently, his father had a heart attack and this has John worried about his own well-being. He is afraid that he may experience the same thing. John is interested in taking preventative measures to avoid having a heart attack himself; however, there are a few obstacles that present challenges for him to utilize health care.
Challenges
John Q. has Medicaid coverage. This means that he can receive care at a substantially lower cost. He is happy about this prospect, but also has some concerns. Not only is John classified as a low-income individual, he also has no personal transportation. To add to this problem, he has spent time figuring out which doctor he can see. Medicaid is not accepted by every

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