learning materials, you learned about the history, structure, and ultimate function of the U.S. health care system and how it compares with other developed nations.
In your discussion,
Describe three major changes that have taken place in the development of the U.S. health care system.
Describe the education and responsibility differences between an LPN, a CNA, and an RN.
Explain the differences in education and training between a primary care physician (PCP) and a cardiologist.
Describe the role public health professionals play in the U.S. health care system and its delivery.
Describe three major problems facing the U.S. health care system when compared to other developed nations.
Hypothesize the role public health should play in addressing these three major problems.
Identify three elements of the Affordable Care Act that pertain to public health.
Full Answer Section
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Growth of Government Involvement: The government began playing a larger role in healthcare financing with the passage of Medicare (for seniors) and Medicaid (for low-income individuals) in 1965. This expanded health insurance coverage but also created a complex two-tiered system.
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Technological Advancements: Medical technology has seen continuous advancements, leading to more effective treatments but also driving up healthcare costs.
Education and Responsibility Differences:
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs provide basic bedside care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or physician. They typically complete a 1-year vocational program.
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide basic care tasks like assisting with bathing, dressing, and feeding. They have the shortest training duration (a few weeks) and work under the supervision of nurses and doctors.
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Registered Nurse (RN): RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs or CNAs. They can administer medications, develop care plans, and manage patient conditions. They require a 2-4 year associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing.
Primary Care Physician (PCP) vs. Cardiologist:
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Primary Care Physician (PCP): PCPs are the first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system. They provide preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and refer patients to specialists when needed. PCPs typically complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree followed by residency training in family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics.
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Cardiologist: Cardiologists are specialists who diagnose and treat heart conditions. They have additional training beyond medical school, including residency in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in cardiology. Cardiologists perform procedures like angioplasties and manage complex heart conditions.
Public Health Professionals in the U.S. Healthcare System:
Public health professionals play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing disease at the population level. Here are some of their key functions:
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Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Prevention: Monitoring and tracking the spread of infectious diseases and implementing measures to control outbreaks.
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Health Promotion and Education: Educating the public about healthy behaviors, disease prevention, and risk factors.
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Community Health Assessments: Identifying health needs and priorities within communities to guide public health interventions.
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Environmental Health: Ensuring safe drinking water, air quality, and sanitation to protect public health.
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Policy Development: Advocating for policies that promote healthy communities and address public health concerns.
Major Problems in U.S. Healthcare Compared to Developed Nations:
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High Costs: The U.S. spends significantly more per capita on healthcare than other developed nations, yet health outcomes aren't necessarily better.
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Uninsured Population: The U.S. has a higher percentage of uninsured citizens compared to most developed nations.
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Access to Care: Despite progress with the Affordable Care Act, access to affordable, quality healthcare remains a challenge for some Americans.
Public Health's Role in Addressing Problems:
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Disease Prevention: Public health initiatives aimed at preventing chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease can reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
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Health Education: Public health campaigns can empower individuals to make healthy choices and improve overall population health.
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Reducing Health Disparities: Public health efforts can focus on addressing social determinants of health that contribute to unequal access to care among different populations.
Public Health Elements in the Affordable Care Act (ACA):
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Preventive Services: The ACA requires most health insurance plans to cover preventive services without cost-sharing, encouraging preventive care.
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Public Health Funding: The ACA provides funding for public health initiatives, such as community health centers and tobacco control programs.
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Health Insurance Marketplaces: The ACA established marketplaces where individuals can purchase subsidized health insurance plans, potentially increasing access to coverage.
By focusing on prevention, education, and reducing disparities, public health can play a vital role in improving the U.S. healthcare system and achieving better health outcomes for all.
Sample Answer
The Ever-Evolving U.S. Healthcare System: A Look Back and Ahead
The U.S. healthcare system is a complex and dynamic entity. Here's a breakdown of some key points you requested:
Three Major Changes in the U.S. Healthcare System:
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Rise of Health Insurance: In the early 20th century, health insurance was uncommon. Employer-sponsored health insurance plans became widespread after World War II, leading to increased healthcare spending and a reliance on private insurance.