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Health Care Field Cost Control Methods Essay

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My homework is entirely my own work and I did not copy from anyone else. It is very important that we utilize cost control methods in the health care field. The reason being is that about 10% of the population, usually with chronic to severe problems, use approximately 70% of the total spending (Shi, & Singh, 2008). If we didn’t monitor the costs and spending we wouldn’t be using the money efficiently. To avoid potential problems we frequently use six different cost control methods to monitor what medical services are necessary, the most cost efficient way for these services to be provided, and keep an up to date chart of the patient’s condition to offer only treatment deemed necessary. One essential aspect of cost control methods …show more content…

A study has been conducted to see the effects encountered from the in-person assessment to the call center assessment. Cost reduction, patient and physician relationship, impact on confidentiality have all played major roles in these experiments. One study done at Howard, showed mixed results. The study did not calculate performance or quality of care on patients. Groups were authorized 6, 10, or 19 sessions and were automatically allowed to complete up to 19 sessions. The control group was only authorized 6 but had to sit down for a case-by-case review of each visit. At the end, the non-control group showed considerably more visits used than the control group. So this study shows that closer monitoring is more effective. In conclusion, the gatekeeping studies that were conducted showed no drastic effects in the patients care. One actually improved the service provided by call-in authorization. The switch to gatekeeping however led to an increase in the treatment of children and families in an outpatient facility. One concerning factor of the call-in system is the decrease in care provided which could lead to problems in choosing the right care provider, appropriate treatments, and guidance you would receive in a face-to-face encounter. The call-in system showed an increase in annual visits, because it made it easier and more convenient for patients to seek care. People before

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