...Healthcare Trends in the National Market Franklin University Abstract Current studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that age adjusted death rates are down for major causes of death like cancer and heart disease. Although these findings suggest the healthcare system is well regulated, Americans are not happy with it overall. Out of 12 concerns over healthcare in the United States each one seems just as important as the predecessor. Alzheimer’s disease linked deaths have spiked with unintentional incident related deaths climbing as well. These issues will surely be met by an adapting system as it reacts to the needs of a market. The industry is currently heavily regulated by the government but the citizens are calling for more change. Healthcare Trends in the National Market The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has near comprehensive data in a variety of areas including morbidity and mortality that give insight to important trends that have impacted the healthcare system in the United States of America. The system is and will continue to be ever changing and evolving as the United States has a reactive system that is prone to great sways as it is manipulated by trends in disease and treatments. The CDC reported data from a 10 year time span regarding deaths among males and females. The leading cause of death for both sexes was heart disease, which was examined along with cancer, strokes, chronic lower respiratory disease...
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...first developed at Drexel University on October 7, 1952 by Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. The attained the U.S. patent number 2,612,994 for the current barcode we see today (“Inventing the Barcode”, 2011). Barcodes are an old technology but have still passed the test of time by being a vital part of hospital or healthcare facility operations. The barcodes have just recently seen a major spike in the use of them to track records. According to “Barcode Technology in Healthcare” (2013) section of Wikipedia,” barcode technology in healthcare is the use of optical machine-readable representation of data in a hospital or healthcare setting”. In 1995, the Bar Code Medication Administration (BMCA) was created by a nurse at the Colmery-O’Neil Veteran Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas. It was marketed to many facilities by the Department of Veteran Affairs. The “Barcode Technology in Healthcare” (2013) goes on to say that recent published reports in the early 2000’s have shown a high rate of medical errors and increased healthcare expenses (“Barcode Technology in Healthcare”, 2013). These errors along with the ever growing need to cut costs were the driving force behind the use of barcodes in the healthcare industry. Barcodes are now realistic and applicable solutions that have had a high priority placed on them to reduce errors and promote patient safety. In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled that barcodes must be used on certain human drugs. Any drugs that were manufactured...
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... JoAnn Dade May 4, 2013 New To Health Care In healthcare there has always been interesting things that have changed the face of healthcare today. These changes need to be understood in order to know how healthcare got started and why it continues to be a growing concern for individuals in the United States. Before 1920 most people had no healthcare coverage (U.S. Healthcare History, 2013). Before this time doctors were not charging much for their services. However, as time progressed doctors stated to learned more about diseases and treatments and with this progression they started charging more for the services rendered. These new charging were often more than people could afford at the time. Doctors found that they needed to treated more people in hospitals in order to take advantage of the new technology which added to the cost of care for these individuals. The Great Depression only made the cost of these treatments worse for patients. In the 1930s Blue Cross was born to help people pay their hospital bills ("Stay smart, stay healthy," 2013). The healthcare industry offers plenty of profitable careers. Most of the best paid and fast growing careers belong to the healthcare industry. According to the United Sates Bureau of Labor Statistics, eight of the top 20 fastest growing careers belong to the healthcare industry (Belk 2011). The healthcare industry offers as many as 13 million jobs. New technologies have also given way...
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...Article Summary Julka Harsimran, the author of this piece of writing, describes the potential in the information technology sector within the healthcare industry. Recent changes in the United States Healthcare system led by the Obama administration has brought a tremendous opportunity to revamp/upgrade the healthcare insurance records with new electronic projects from conversion of data, to creation of new health and insurance records and processing of claims and sales of insurances to the management of all healthcare data. Globalization plays an important aspect in the sense that the opportunity to obtain this large contract managing all the American healthcare coverage information is not restricted only to U.S. companies, but to international companies as well. Nasscom, an Indian international information technology (IT) service provider, is a major prospective company with the potential to obtain a $20 billion contract managing creating and managing all electronic U.S. health records. Outsourcing and restructuring internatioanlly job opportunities can have a large impact in the local job market. Understanding globalization can help local companies prepare better to meet the challenges of today’s competitive work environment. Relevancy to Human Resource Management - Article Critique Due to the unpredictability of the economic trend of the global market, some companies have opted to outsource functions sacrificing tangible and intangible assets to save money in operations...
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...------------------------------------------------- Health for life An AHA Advocacy Issue June 4, 2014 By: Dwayne Mathis HSM-541 Portia Bonnett, Instructor June 4, 2014 By: Dwayne Mathis HSM-541 Portia Bonnett, Instructor The U.S. government, healthcare systems, hospitals, and communities have placed a large emphasis on health reform in this country. Yet the problems with our healthcare system are well documented. Chronic illness, such as cancer and heart disease, is growing at an alarming rate. The quality of health services and delivery are not where they need to be. For the American population to be able to enjoy optimal health, they must have access to high quality health care services and they must learn to be proactive in establishing health living habits. “Health For Life” is an advocacy issue of the American Hospital Association (AHA) which focuses on the need for better health and better health care. This paper will discuss why this topic is an issue, problems associated with this issue, and its impact on the U.S. health care system. It will also discuss AHA initiatives and offer a recommendation to help resolve this issue. The “Health For Life” initiative offers a framework for health reform in America. The building blocks of this framework are a focus on wellness; coverage for all, paid for by all; best information; highest quality care; and most efficient, affordable care. These blocks tell the story of why this is an advocacy issue to begin with...
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...The problem with the current healthcare system. There are many problems with the current healthcare system in the United States (U.S.). Most of these problems stem from the fact that it is not really a system in the proper sense of the word. The healthcare system is really a patchwork of entities with their own goals and priorities. The “system” is unequal in access, costs of services, and quality. One of the major problems with the healthcare system is that healthcare services are seen as a product under the market justice theory. Healthcare services are really not comparable to most products because they are a necessity for all people at some point in their lives. One thing that makes accessibility a difficult issue is that insurance is required for most to be able to achieve access. Insurance in turn requires a job that offers coverage that is worthwhile and affordable, however, many jobs do not offer worthwhile, affordable, or any coverage at all. This is also a problem when a person becomes unemployed. Another problem that inhibits access is the high cost of services for many people. While accessibility may not be an issue for some there is also the issue of inequality of the costs of services. Unlike many other countries where the prices of services are more transparent or equal in the U.S. many factors determine the cost of one particular service to an individual such as where the patient lives or what their insurance covers. This leads to the problem of those...
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...priority for Americans. Providing healthcare for the American people has been an issue and has perplexed our country near a close division over the past century. Proponents of managed care believe that managed care has been successful in controlling costs, and opponents believe otherwise. The true answer lies in the numbers. In 1970 the United States spent $75 billion on health care, and in 1970 the federal government announced the development of HMO’s as a way to decrease skyrocketing health care costs (U. S. Census Bureau, 2011). Managed care uses a gatekeeper system to assist in cost containment. The gatekeeper may be a manager or a physician charged with cost control and hospitalization authorization. Cost controls are accomplished through three methods. President Barack Obama presented his plan of Health Care Reform to a joint session of congress in 2009. Amongst the many changes proposed Obama addressed the main concerns which would greatly improve our current healthcare system. Of course myths were stirred with this proposal in which he addressed as well. The purpose in creating Health Care Reform was to alleviate this huge deficit contributor as well as to offer better care for U.S. Citizens. The current healthcare plan has been digging into the pockets of all classes of Americans and has allowed many of its people to become chronically ill or die. Many stories have been shared across the media from those affected by our current healthcare system and Obama is the first...
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...these are crucial challenges and how they can be overcome. Your response must make references to short term fluctuations as well as long-term economic growth prospects. As I see it, the U.S. national debt is one thing that will have a huge impact on the future economic well being of the United States. As of July 19, 2015, the U.S. national debt equals $18,158,174,556,882.73 (U.S. National Debt Clock), which is 101.53% of the gross domestic product (Trading Economics, 2015). From an individual’s perspective this exorbitant national debt will potentially lead to higher taxes, reduced benefits (for example Social Security), and higher interest rates. The national debt has continued to increase approximately $2.05 billion dollars per day since September 2012 (Trading Economics, 2015). If the U.S. government doesn’t find a way to curb the current expansionary fiscal policy, the United States could find itself in a situation similar to Greece over the past few weeks. As a healthcare provider and someone who sees the firsthand effects of the current system on patients and healthcare organizations, I am very interest in healthcare reform and its impact on the Federal budget deficit. With healthcare expenditures in the U.S projected to reach 34% of the GDP by 2040, the case for healthcare reform is a no-brainer, and President Obama’s monetary policies sought to remedy this. However, the Affordable Care Act in its current form is not the answer. The Department of Health and...
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...Is Offshore Outsourcing of Medical Business Practices Ethical? Abstract The healthcare industry is one of the largest in the United States. The United States spends an estimated $2 trillion annually on health care expenses, more than any other industrialized country (Johnson, 2010). The growth of this industry is expected to continue well into the future. However, today more than ever, healthcare providers are faced with many financial pressures. Offshore outsourcing offers companies substantial savings on costs which improves profitability. Managed care organizations and healthcare providers realize how outsourcing business processes to experts allows them to focus on their core business without worrying about back-office functions (Namasivayan & Bell, 2006). Despite the cost savings, it is important not to overlook some of the issues that may be associated with outsourcing. Is Offshore Outsourcing of Medical Business Practices Ethical? The healthcare industry is one of the largest in the United States. The United States spends an estimated $2 trillion annually on health care expenses, more than any other industrialized country (Johnson, 2010). The growth of this industry is expected to continue well into the future. As the baby boomer population gets older and medical treatments become more and more advanced, those needing medical care will increase exponentially giving rise to an already growing field. Yet, despite...
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...and other national issues that are important to an aging population. The number of Americans living over the age of 65 has dramatically increased in the past years. People are beginning to live well past retirement and later stages of their lives because they have remained healthy and productive. Given the fact that America is aging, it is important to have resources available for American’s who will soon dip into retirement funds and Medicare. A good question to ask as America becomes populated by more and more elderly is, “How can the unique needs and desires of each person be appropriately assessed and addressed in a rapidly changing health care environment?” In 2011 “baby boomers” began to turn 65 which accounted for 14 percent of the U.S. population, that percentage will increase to 20 by the year 2030 (APA). The average life expectancy for men is now 73 years and for women it is 80 years. These baby boomers will have a significant impact on American society and will challenge the health care delivery and financing systems. As the life expectancy increases, the elderly will spend more than half of their adult life in retirement (Helsler, 2000), many will re-enter the workforce as a way to socialize and maintain active. Employers will also discover that mature adults hold more years on experience (Helsler, 2000). Medical expenses will also rise...
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...How the U.S Health Care System Compares Internationally How the U.S Health Care System Compares Internationally The United States Health Care system is the most expensive in the world which continues to grow larger. The U.S ranks last because we have failed to achieve better health outcomes than the others. As an individual I feel that we can do a lot better only if we can figure out how to lower the Healthcare costs in the United States. Throughout the years they have been trying ways to cut the cost of healthcare, but we are nowhere near a solution. Among the 11 nations studied in this article Australia, Canada, Germany, France, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, and the United States the United Kingdom had the best overall Health Care Ranking. Living in the U.S, you would think that we would do a better job regarding quality, access, efficiency, equity, and healthy lives. We can better achieve these changes by learning from the other countries and by doing this the U.S should be able to make great improvements in within the Health Care System. Some of the improvements are being able to keep informed of broader issues and concerns such as how the system bears the cost of the insured and underinsured. Another is advocating policy changes at the legislative level and practicing more health promotion behaviors and using preventative services. There are many more ways that we can improve, but this can be...
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...infirmity (WHO Constitution).Based on this definition there are many things to consider that may affect one’s health. Individual behaviors, economics, and social structure are some things that play a major role in one’s overall health. Today, more than ever, there is growing interest, awareness, and momentum for the promise of performance management and quality improvement. Other sectors – such as industry, healthcare organizations, and business – have successfully used these concepts and tools to improve service delivery and process performance. In public health settings, performance management and quality improvement tools are being promoted and supported as an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of public health agencies, systems, and services. This paper will analyze the key milestones made in shaping the healthcare industry, evaluate the significance of financing and technology in health care, the complexities associated with changing demographics and emergent diseases, and challenges presented to healthcare management. Twenty years ago U.S. healthcare cost $2800, on average, per person. Ten years ago, that figure had risen to $4700 per person. And four years ago, in 2008, it was $7500 per person. (Kaiser Family Foundation Report.) Over the same period, the portion of Americans without insurance has risen. In 1990, 14.1 percent of Americans were uninsured. In 2000, 13.1 percent were uninsured. Today, 16.3% of Americans are uninsured (approximately 50 million...
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...Topic: U.S. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM REFORM Course Project T. Wise DeVry HSM 534 Health Service Finance February 23, 2013 Week 7 Professor Alison Williams Background The United States, being the most diverse society in the world, has a long and unsuccessful history of attempts at healthcare reform. We spend almost $2 trillion dollars per year on healthcare, yet not all American people have medical coverage (Barton, 2007). A huge percent of the population have to rely on outside sources, such as benefit health care from an employer or from government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. As compared to other nations, our society has people that are more overweight, live under more stress, and are less in physical activity. Additionally, our healthcare system underperforms compared to with other nations in critical areas such as, access, quality and efficiency (Davis). How did our system get this way? Why are we paying so much while other nations not so much? A history of major events - The U.S. healthcare system is trying to evolve with modern times; however, as time goes on, our current situation becomes more apparent: * In the 1950s, the price of hospital care was growing; however, more attention was diverted to the war in Korea. Many legislative proposals were made, but none could not be agreed on. * In the 1960s, hospital care expenses doubled, and despite over 700 insurance companies selling health insurance, a large percentage of the population...
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...Electronic Health Records: Impacts on the U.S Healthcare Industry Blake Redco 28 Feb 2016 Abstract The patient health record, serves “to recall observations, to inform others, to instruct students, to gain knowledge, to monitor performance, and to justify interventions” (IOM, 2014). Beginning in the latter half of the 20th century and continuing through present-day, patient health records have increased in use and function. A significant portion of patient records, treatment history, and medication data are still stored in paper format however, and full transition to digital formats is likely decades away, or may not be achieved for many more years to come. This text will examine the modern electronic health record (EHR), and how it impacts, and is impacted by, the U.S. healthcare industry in political, technical, and economical environments. The focus on how and why the transition process is occurring, and the challenges therein, will be prevalent throughout examination of the three environments. This is a subjective description, although not comprehensive exploration of factors surrounding the HER, and is not to be taken as criticism or advocacy of any component of U.S. health care policy and/or practices. In each of the environments described below, efforts have been made to provide considerable and timely data, as well as references to influential industry literature and legislation. However, due to the dynamic nature of policies and mandates, technologies, and...
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...Unavailable Healthcare Student’s Name: University Affiliation Unavailable Healthcare Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2002). Health care costs: Fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved on March 12, 2013, from http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/factsheets/costs/health-care/index.html The United States department of health and human services has an agency that is dedicated to conducting studies on the cost of healthcare to inform lawmakers and citizens alike. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has done extensive studies on particular ways to target the increasing cost of medical care. This is in recognition of the cost as a barrier to the availability of healthcare to the poor. Ayanian, J.Z. & Van der Wees, P.J. (2012). Tackling rising health care costs in Massachusetts. The New England Journal of Medicine, 367, 790-793. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1208710. Massachusetts is an example of a state on how to enact healthcare reform. Ayanian and Van der Wees (2012) investigate how Massachusetts has handled the rising cost of healthcare. In 2010, the state attorney general found that there was a great variation in the price of medical care throughout the state (Ayanian & Van der Wees, 2012). The state passed a law whose aim was to control medical care costs; Brill, S. (2013, February 20). Bitter pill: Why medical bills are killing us. Time. Retrieved Sept 5...
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