Quality And Affordability

Changes in access to health care across different populations are the chief reason for current disparities in health care provision. These changes occur for several reasons, and some of the main factors that contribute to the problem in the United States are: Lack of health insurance – Several racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and other minority groups lack adequate health insurance coverage in comparison with people who can afford healthcare insurance. The majority of these individuals are likely to put off health care or go without the necessary healthcare and medication that is needed. Lack of financial resources – Lack of accessibility to funding is a barrier to health care for a lot of people living in the United States

Patient access to affordable health care is an ongoing issue in the United States. The first portion of the policy process involves three different stages, the formulation stage, legislative stage, and the implementation stage. Three main stages exist in the process to transform a topic into a policy (Morone, J. A., Litman, T. J., & Robins, L.S., 2008). Coupled with the implementation stage is an evaluation of all the stages to determine effectiveness and gather information for use in future public health care policy making. In the formulation stage, the ideas, concepts, and information steam from this process of policy making. The

Every individual in the world deserves to enjoy health and wellness. Maintaining or achieving proper health needs enables individuals to be productive at work and leisure. Traditionally, many people have had barriers obtaining adequate healthcare due to economic constraints or personal inconveniences. Despite impressive technological advances in medicine, the challenge of delivering quality healthcare to the Americans continues to be debated amongst the nation’s political and healthcare leaders. The aging baby-boomers and the increased number of uninsured people add to the equation of population growth which results in limited access to primary healthcare for the entire public. On the

Above everything else, what consumers want from companies is the quality of the products that they are buying. Most consumers do not mind spending an extra buck for the sake of having the best product available. In addition, to this, consumers will go way out of their comfort zone to get a durable product. However, the truth of the matter is that most companies that lasted in the market do not have this in mind. Their provision of quality products is limited to what the statistical analysis in their books shows. If it is very expensive, then it is an unsuitable option. This has led to a scenario whereby American companies have been left out and defeated by other competitors in other markets. The realization of this fact has come to them at the opportune moment. And by taking advantage of this, most American companies have adopted a system of analyzing quality that will be analyzed in this paper. The system was not based on an aggressive strategy to gain and hold markets founded on a competitive linchpin with high quality; they were just defensive measures to simply eliminate ‘defects’ or preempt failures – which is not what managers need.

Health problems are a growing concern for individuals today, as health-related issues increase in complexity and require a multi-faceted approach to prevention and treatment. Additionally, there is also a large, underserved population that exists within the U.S. at present. The Banner Health Network (BHN) recognizes this adversity and through strategic planning is transforming healthcare to overcome this challenge. Banner has created one of the largest health systems in this country and is striving to meet the global healthcare needs of citizens. One of the ways that Banner is effecting change is by performing community health assessments wherein information regarding community health status, local public health systems, and legislative and demographic forces

The community leaders were “monitoring the health status to identify community health problems” (AAPHD) in the fact that they recognized that there would be a lack of access to care now that the dentist had retired. This also “assures a competent public health and public health work force” (AAPHD) for the members of their community. In order to address this concern, the leaders worked to “mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems” (AAPHD), as well as to “evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of person and population based health services” (AAPHD). They were able to do this by working with the local medical center administration to find a possible office space, the state health department to look into how to recruit dentist to underserved areas, and with the state legislature, who is calling for funds to incentivize dentists who go to underserved areas to practice. Finally, in using the available space and same waiting room in the existing medical office for a new potential dental practice, these community leaders are “researching new insights and innovative solutions to health problems” (AAPHD,

The health status of a community as a whole has a large impact on people who work in the healthcare field. Healthcare workers play an important role in making a positive difference in the lives of those that make up a community. They strive to make an impact in the health equity while working to reduce health disparities amongst the population. It is critical for healthcare workers to understand the health challenges of a community and how they should be addressed in order to promote health (Anderson & McFarlane, 2015).

The healthcare industry today has recognized the urgency of population health management in response to increasing healthcare costs, standards in quality, and alternative payment models particularly in Accountable Care (Shiple & Danaher, 2012). From the film presentation of Health Catalyst regarding the success story of New Ulm, Minnesota with population health management, we can derive that it is possible for providers, payers, and communities to work in close collaboration to further population health initiatives (Health Catalyst, 2016). The film highlighted the necessity of a solid partnership between all stakeholders in the community to ensure all their goals are achieved.

Employment provides resources and benefits that supports a healthier life style. An individual’s ability to access affordable quality health care is essential to their physical, social and mental health. Instead of spending the budget on health fairs and educational lectures, the hospital should implement a strategy that will increase job opportunities, allow the health care professionals to educate the community to promote healthier lifestyles, and provide case management and follow up to those who are limited to quality clinical care. By creating opportunities the local workforce will strengthen, provide more individuals access to resources and quality health care and improve the health of the overall community. Although the hospital cannot meet all the unmet health needs within the community, health within the community is a shared responsibility of hospitals, public agencies and other important stakeholders within the community. Also according to Linn, Sandifer, and Stein health and social factors are closely related with considering community health rankings. This is why it is important for the hospital to leverage their resources to improve health and the quality of life within the

The community model is focusing on giving stakeholders more of say in how health care solutions are provided. Under this approach, they will play a part in working with administrators, doctors, nurses and patients to identify the best solutions. At the heart of this strategy, involves using primary care providers who can cover the basic issues surrounding someone's health. This is a part of historical trends that were focused on reducing the underlying costs for these services and increasing the total amounts of quality. When this happens, there will be a transformation in the way everyone is able to receive a host of services. ("The Role of Community Participation," 2010)

Growing up as a member of a rural community in Michigan that is intimately tied to agriculture has allowed me to interact with a diverse group of people. As a result of the need for farm and factory jobs, many of the community members are trapped in low paying and low education jobs. As the youngest member of my family, I have seen the struggles that my parents have faced in order to provide for our family so that my brother, sister, and I may succeed. I have become acutely aware of the issues that the rural communities are faced with, most importantly the challenges that many low income families face when trying to receive a higher quality of healthcare and education. As the first of my family to aspire for a health care profession, I wish to provide care not only to my family, but to the community that has provided me with a deep sense of diversity. By

The controversial increase in the rate of health issues in underserved Los Angeles communities has led to the establishment of the Community Health Councils in 1992. Community Health Councils (CHC) is a non-profit, community-based systems change and health policy organization whose mission is to improve health in underserved communities by promoting social justice and achieving equity in community and environmental resources. Through CHC’s Model for Social Change (Figure 2), they have been able to develop projects geared towards eliminating health disparities, improving access to healthcare, and building better environments to increase community well-being. Throughout the years, CHC has led numerous efforts that have shifted

Assuming an agreement is made between a supplier and a customer such that the supplier must ensure that all parts are within tolerance before shipment to the customer, what is the effect on the cost of quality to the customer?

A 21st century strategy for health reform in the United States must harness the commitment of all Americans and the power and resources of all sectors of society. It must involve both social and personal responsibility to achieve a healthier United States. All Americans should be able to live in communities in which they can achieve the best of health and well-being, receive high quality, effective, and compassionate care when it is needed, and be protected from economic hardship due to medical expenses. Now is the time for individuals, families, schools, businesses, health care providers, scientists, foundations, and the government to work together to move our nation and world towards a healthier, more secure and prosperous future (Blumenthal & Cortese, 2011). For that reason, the following initiatives should go into the planning and designing of our 21st century healthcare systems.

On a national level many urban communities still continues to count on their local Community Health Center, collaboration between the Community Health Centers and the Affordable Care Act is needed so that the needs of the uninsured can be addressed. This is the original design of the Community Healthcare Center to focus on those who did not have access to proper medical care or those subject to abject