Reference no: EM13731579

Topic 1:

While doing research on other countries healthcare system, I've realized a lot of European countries are utilizing single payer system and they are loving it. Even Canada I believe is utilizing single payer system and they receive care for free. Although the disadvantage is that the tax collected will be higher, I still believe this would be great for United States. There has been many opposition and agreement for affordable care act and with Single payer system, I believe the discussion would go on forever. There are many advantages and disadvantages to single payer system. Main disadvantage I could foresee is shortage on providers along with amount of tax increase citizens would face. Also, I believe it would take longer to schedule an appointment with a physician. However, I believe we can utilize both private and government insurance to cover the gap hole (coverage) and work out a good plan to make it irresistable. In your opinion, do you foresee a possibility of US converting to single payer system? What do you believe is the biggest advantage and disadvantage to it?

Topic 2:

• Do you think that quality would be adversely impacted if the growth in medical technology were to be constrained in the United States? If costs are reduced, and more people could have access, do you think that this is a reasonable trade-off?

I feel that being American and proud of our country has roots in all areas. For instance, we love baseball because it's considered an American past time. Healthcare is changing care and cost so much on a daily basis that it can become overwhelming at times. But this ask if the growth in medical technology would impact the quality more if it were to be restricted to the U.S. My feelings on this would be a little bit of both. To explain my thoughts, I started to think of how this entire world works together in time of need and when assistance is needed. When there is a natural disaster overseas, the Red Cross is one of the first to respond. From opposite ends of the world, we can give and get aid. Medical technology shouldn't be any different. Though we live in an amazing country, sometimes we don't have all the answers or technology needed to take things to the next level. By keeping things restricted to just our country, we are cutting off research and resources to help people. On the other hand if cost was lowered and able to be controlled for healthcare, I can see the appeal of the trade off. Making it more accessible to patients can help. too. But I think long term, we still need to work together to grow healthcare and it's services. Working as a front with all countries, we can find cures faster due to more resources and research happening. People can benefit from more help rather than just the home team. Those are my thoughts on it. Thanks for reading.

Topic 3:

Topic 1: The Health Care Quality Improvement Act was created in order to protect the public from incompetent physicians. Medical malpractice was a big issue during the 1970's and 1980's, thus leading to many lawsuits due to physician incompetence. "HCQIA is a federal law that was enacted to create a national tracking system of physicians with a history of medical malpractice payments or adverse actions. This system is known as the National Practitioner Data Bank" (Health Law Resources, n.d.). Employment Screening Resources (ESR) are utilized to provide background screening services. "For medical organizations, the financial risks and liability for the negligent hiring for a doctor's position can be devastating. It can be a matter of life and death. Therefore, the credentialing and screening of physicians is critical for any medical organization" (ESR, 2015). While there will likely be some variations on specific criteria, there are several things physician applicants must provide such as: valid & current licensure, clinical privileges at a hospital, appropriate education & training (proof of graduation from an approved medical school, completion of a specialty program & residency, board certification, references, appropriate work history, history of liability claims, and malpractice insurance. Once practitioners have met the credentialing requirements, their expertise in a specific practice is further evaluated through a process known as "privileging".

Topic 2: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986 is one federal law that greatly impacts healthcare organizations, as well as patients. This specific law was designed "to prevent institutions from denying care to anyone seeking emergency medical treatment, regardless of citizenship, insurance status, or ability to pay" (Burns; Bradley; Weiner, p.363). This law has often been referred to as the "anti-dumping" law. The primary goal of EMTALA is to protect patients from discrimination in treatment. Therefore, it protects both patients, physicians, and healthcare organizations. "There are severe penalties for violating EMTALA including: termination of the hospital or physician's Medicare provider agreement, physician fines equaling $50,000 per violation, hospital fines up to $50,000 per violation ($25,000 for a hospital with fewer than 100 beds), significant financial loss for the facility, and lawsuits filed against the hospital" (American College of Emergency Physicians, 2014). EMTALA ensures public trust held by emergency physicians. It also governs how patients are transferred from one hospital to another.

Topic 4:

Topic 1: "Healthcare credentialing refers to the process of verifying education, training, and proven skills of healthcare practitioners." (Healthcare Credentialing, 2015) There are many steps to ensure that physician applicants are properly screened and credentialed. You don't want to hire just any provider for your clinic, you would want to make sure they are well equipped for the job they are going to be in charge of. Some of the steps that are included in the process are: verifying license(s), identifying medical schools and verifying completion of medical education, verify training such as internships, residency, and fellowships. The verification is done through the place that entitled the provider their education. The entire process can take awhile to complete which is all on what all needs to be verified.

Topic 2: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) catches my eye. This is apart of the federal agency that is responsible for decisions that have a profound effect on both patients and health care organizations. The FDA is there to make sure of the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices. The FDA is there to make sure what we consume is safe for us to take. The FDA specifies which drug is indicated for what but providers can use it for other cures as well. Everybody benefits from the FDA. A lot of the time people won't take any medications or use any sort of diet if it's not FDA approved. I know several people whom are like that.