Abstract This paper examines the Americanhealthcare system and suggests methods of creating universal access to healthcare. The paper explains that healthcare should be considered a right for all citizens; a constitutional amendment would make this proposition mandatory. The paper points out that, at its root, the lack of healthcare for all in America is fundamentally a moral issue. The paper suggests that the United States follow its industrialized, wealthy counterparts and demand universal healthcare. It explains that the desire for universal healthcare is apparent and cites examples of states which are implementing a near-universal healthcare system. The writer proposes that the U.S. pass the United States National Health Insurance Act, or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. The writer further explains that this act establishes the United States National Health Insurance (USNHI) Program to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free healthcare, including all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services.
Outline:
Universal Healthcare in Other Countries
United States National Health Insurance Act
The Uninsured: College Students
Children's HealthCare Preventative HealthCare Eliminating Disparities
Conclusion
From the Paper "More health care clinics geared toward minority populations could also be beneficial; citizens would feel more comfortable in settings that recognize their specific needs. Cultural and linguistic competence is mandatory. More classes in medical school concerning minority health care issues should be implemented. More minority members should be in the health care system. This would increase patient participation in care processes, ensuring grater satisfaction and adherence to treatment. The regulations in the system should be transparent and open to the public. A department in the government should be primarily focused on minority health care. The heath care system should be as diverse as our country."
Tags: primary, care, prescription, drugs, emergency, care, mental, health, services
Abstract In this paper the author looks at the Americanhealthcare system highlighting from the beginning that medical error is the 5th leading cause of death in America at the moment, ranking higher than diabetes and accidents. The author gives examples of cases where poor judgement and general medical error have led to deaths that could have been prevented. The paper proceeds to discuss the unnecessary deaths caused by overuse or misuse of medical drugs. Finally the paper concludes that doctors are neither miracle makers nor gods, and the public cannot hold them accountable when they make every effort to use their best judgment; they are simply humans like the rest of us. If their conditions were better a lot of the errors could be prevented.
From the Paper "This problem aside, the next argument focuses on the groups that were used to calculate the data. Opponents argue that the data was calculated on the premise that most patients admitted to hospitals have high disease burdens and are high death risks even before they enter the hospital; that those patients selected for chart review in the Harvard study were a high severity group and would of course reflect a higher mortality. Unfortunately, this misses the point completely."
Abstract Approximately 12 percent of America's population is without any formal healthcare insurance coverage, although some estimates of this proportion are higher. The research problem investigated in this study concerns minority access to healthcare. The central issue in the study is the determination of the best approach to improve such access, especially in relation to HIV-AIDS patients. The paper begins with a review of healthcare delivery problems for minority population groups, which is followed by a consideration of the HIV-AIDS issue among minority population groups. The primary focus of this assessment is on healthcare outcomes.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Minorities and HIV-AIDS
Interaction with HealthCare System
Racial and Ethnic Orientation
Structure and Method of Investigation
Minorities: HealthCare Delivery Problems in the Community and HealthCare System
Bioethical Issues
Failure to Address Racial Differences
Failure to Address Insurance Status Differences
HealthCare Delivery and Accessibility
HMOs and Fee-for-Service Providers
Social Psychological Influences
Distrust of the HealthCare System
Health Beliefs of Minorities
Social Identity Influences
Minority Status and HIV-AIDS
HIV-AIDS and Minority Population Groups
Origins
Ethical Issues
HIV-AIDS HealthCare for Minorities
Initiatives to Improve Minority Access to HealthCare Proposed Initiative
Conclusions and Recommendations
Restatement of Problem
Summary of Findings
Conclusions
Potential Solutions
Assessment
Recommendations
From the Paper "In the 1990s, one initiative designed to broaden access to health care services needs for the nation's indigent involved the development of nurse-managed clinics targeting low-income persons. A nurse practitioner is a specially educated and trained nurse who provides some level of health care directly to patients without supervision by a physician.
Nurse managed clinics for the indigent are prominent in the nation's inner cities. Nurse managed clinics such as those associated with the Kellogg Homeless Project in Washington, the Pine Street Inn in Boston, and the Los Angeles School of Nursing Health Center are delivering health care services to indigent persons at cost savings (compared to more traditional delivery venues) and in areas that would not otherwise be served by health care professionals (Sharp, 1992; Lutz, 1991)."
Abstract This paper begins with a historical perspective on the Americanhealthcare system. It compares healthcare systems across various cultures and analyzes the current state of healthcare in America. The paper then describes three distinct measures to reform healthcare without resorting to socialized medicine. It looks at regulatory reform, quality improvements and mandatory immunization programs.
Table of Contents:
History Of AmericanHealthCare HealthCare Abroad
The Current Situation
The Cost Of Poor Quality
Good Medicine
Payin' And Suffering
Conclusion And Proposal
Appendices
From the Paper "Health care in the United States didn't begin as the complex system we grapple with today. The first health care market worked very well- patients with very low expectations paid "doctors" for cures that didn't work. While this system was often less than ideal for patients, it was ideal from an economic point of view. This practice continued as doctors began to offer effective services to patients who developed an appetite for care that often exceeded their ability to pay. As the Great Depression fell upon America, hospitals began to suffer from patients' inability to pay for care. Desperate for relief, hospitals lobbied states for a way to ensure bills were paid. The creation of the first modern insurance company, Blue Cross, resulted . Originally, Blue Cross was a non-profit organization that simply paid the bills, without getting involved in what type of care was provided. Once doctors realized the benefits of this system- primarily, fast and complete payment of bills- the insurance industry began to grow. Soon, the practice was so popular that employees began demanding that their employers provide insurance benefits- a practice encouraged by the government in the form of tax benefits. This change in how care was paid for meant that the burden of health care costs shifted from the general population to the government. In the years after World War II, the United States experienced dramatic leaps in medicine. In the 1960's, the US saw a major change in how health care dollars are spent when Medicare and Medicaid began . Since that time, the US has seen a rise in the percentage of health care dollars spent by the government from 24% in the 1960s to 60% in the 1990s. Including tax subsidies for health insurance, 51% of health care spending in the US is done by government- and paid for by taxpayers."
Abstract The Americanhealthcare system has been at the center of debate for many years. One of the most pressing issues confronting the healthcare system involves Medicare and its beneficiaries. This discussion focuses on the ramifications of moving Medicare beneficiaries into managed care organizations (MCOs). The paper illustrates that moving the Medicare beneficiaries into MCOs is a bad idea because there will not to be any real cost savings, and many individuals are likely to be denied needed care.
From the Paper "An article found in American Economic Review explains that Medicare is the second largest government entitlement program in the United States. The cost associated with running this program is astronomical. The article asserts that in 1999 the government spent $230 billion or 13% of its budget on Medicare and its beneficiaries. (Antos and Bilheimer) The major issue with Medicare is that it is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years due to the aging population. It is estimated that 47 million people will be enrolled in the Medicare program. (Antos and Bilheimer)"
Abstract This nine page undergraduate paper examines future aspects of healthcare from the perspective of healthcare administrators and managers. The writer notes that it is evident that challenges must be overcome, despite the numerous problems presented by historical, social, ethical, technological, and financial factors. The writer points out that at the present time, the healthcare system in the United States is confronting rising costs and undiminished expectations, and the system is in crisis. Further, the writer discusses that controversial issues of socialized medicine, cost shifting, and budget deficits will have to be addressed if needed reforms of the Americanhealthcare system are to be implemented.
From the Paper "In examining future aspects of health care from the perspective of health care administrators and managers, it is evident that they must overcome the numerous challenges presented by historical, social, ethical, technological, and financial factors. At the present time, the health care system in the United States is confronting rising costs and undiminished expectations, and the system is in crisis. Controversial issues of socialized medicine, cost shifting, and budget deficits will have to be addressed if needed reforms of the American health care system are to be implemented. But reforming health care in the United States is contentious because it will affect the level of services and involve tens of millions of beneficiaries and taxpayers."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of national healthcare concepts in the United States. It is an accumulation of slides for presentation and demonstrates the past history of Medicare and Medicaid, as well as HMOs, and PPos. It further discusses the issues involved in the development of a national healthcare program, and provides suggestions as to beginning a universal healthcare program in the US.
From the Paper " In 1937 a Technical Committee was established to oversee health and welfare activities in the United States. * In 1939 Senator Robert Wagner proposed a health insurance bill that would have provided medical insurance for all workers and their families ("History"). * In 1945 President Truman proposed national health care coverage. * 1960: the Social Security Amendments were enacted which provided grants to States to care for aging people who could not afford the full cost of medical care. * 1960: The Social Security Amendment was further amended to provide for disability insurance for injured workers. * July 30,1965 President Johnson signed H.R. 6675 to provide health insurance for the elderly. ("History"). * 1966: All people were automatically covered at the age of 65 under Medicare. *"
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that historically the Asian-American population has experienced significant conflict with the healthcare system because of differences in culture, language and ideas on the delivery of healthcare. The writer points out that this conflict is evident using Leininger's trans-cultural model for nursing. The writer maintains that the research indicates that the Asian-American population has experienced a difficult existence in relation to healthcare. This existence has been complicated by barriers in language, understanding of the healthcare delivery system, communication and through the lack of cultural training that exists in the healthcare community. The writer concludes that in order to change the current dilemma it is evident that education of the healthcare community, as well as within the Asian community must commence. When this occurs then nurses will be able to provide quality care to this culture and ensure that the health concerns of this population are addressed.
Outline:
Introduction
Asian Cultural Group
Nutrition
Health Beliefs
Specific Health Concerns
Management of HealthCare Chinese Traditional Medicine
Conflict Between Asian Culture and U.S. HealthCare Cultural Assessment Theory: Leininger
Conclusion
From the Paper "In relation to health, most Asian Americans use Western medical practices. However, many of these individuals also rely on Chinese Traditional Medicine as a corresponding health maintenance regime. For those Asian Americans that do practice Chinese Traditional Medicine as part of their health maintenance, the nutritional guidelines that they follow are based on a medical prescription for good health, allowing the flow of Qi to cease being restricted. Yet, those Asian Americans that do not practice Chinese Medicine have diets that severely affect their health. This is especially true within the lives of poor Asian Americans in large urban areas."
Abstract This paper, based in sociological and social psychology concepts, identifies the causal factors for the gap between lower-income Americans and members of visible minorities in the United States and more affluent Americans and members of the majority segment of the population with respect to healthcare access. The author concludes, after an extensive review of the literature, that a universal system of healthcare entitlement is required in the United States. The author suggests that an extensive education is required for low-income persons and members of visible minorities to know the benefits and function of healthcare services, and healthcare providers require education in the social mores of the diverse populations they must serve.
Table of Contents
Problem Delineation
Background on the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Review of Relevant Social Psychology Theory and Literature
Introduction
Sociological Theory and HealthCare The Welfare State
Accessing Contemporary HealthCare Role of Ethics in Accessing HealthCare Alternative HealthCare Delivery Systems
Chapter Conclusions
Social Functioning of Low-Income and Visible Minority Population Groups
Introduction
HIV/AIDS Related Behavior
Initiatives to Improve HealthCare Access and Behaviors
The AmericanHealthCare System and The HealthCare Experiences of Low-Income and Visible Minority Population Groups
Introduction
The AmericanHealthCare System
Delivery of HealthCare to the Poor
Care Quality
Alternative Approaches to Delivery
Bioethical Issues
Problems of Accessibility
Initiatives to Improve Access
Chapter Conclusions
Assessment of the Problem
Discussion
Recommendations for Further Research
Annotated Bibliography
From the Paper "One of the major impediments to the attainment of universal access to healthcare in the United States is the functioning of for-profit Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and managed care organizations (MCOs). These organizations are investor-owned organizations that are in business to make a profit on healthcare delivery. Non-for-profit healthcare organizations also must earn a profit on their operations in order to be able to compensate and train staff, acquire new technology, and generally improve the quality of their services. Unlike investor-owned healthcare companies, however, non-for-profit organizations are not driven by share prices and the bottom-line mentality of for-profit companies. Thus, patient-centered care in not-for-profit healthcare organizations may be contrasted with the investor orientation of the for-profit healthcare companies. Recent decisions by for-profit healthcare companies to drop their Medicare healthcare groups because of substandard profit growth illustrates as no amount of rhetoric can the precedent of investor concerns over patient concerns in the for-profit healthcare companies."
Abstract This paper explores the difficulties of providing free healthcare to all Americans, while looking at healthcare statistics, such as infant mortality and the present high cost of Americanhealthcare. The author points out that, unfortunately, the fight over free nationalized healthcare has become a political battle rather than a healthcare battle. The paper concludes that many countries, such as Canada and several European nations, who are far less economically advanced than the U.S., have created their own national healthcare systems. The author states that, in this great and prosperous country of the U.S., it simply makes good economic and social sense that no one should go without proper healthcare.
From the Paper "High health care costs are another problem associated with American health care. Reporter Curl continues, "Mr. Bush said competitive forces in the marketplace - primarily by giving Americans more choice - is the best method for bringing down health care costs. Another way is to give people who can't afford health care access to facilities other than emergency rooms and hospitals." However, if the government does provide other facilities, ultimately these costs will be born by the taxpayers. As a health care crisis continues among the elderly, the poor, and the uninsured, the government will continue to create more of these facilities, and costs will continue to mount."
Abstract This paper argues that the above quotation accurately sums up the situation of healthcare in the United States. As is argued, there are many aspects to this mess. The writer points out that the most important is that millions of Americans do not have healthcare, or have insufficient healthcare. Further, the writer notes that millions of Americans are unproductive because of this, and thousands die. Other problems mentioned are that the healthcare system is more expensive than it needs to be, due to a number of factors.
Abstract The paper relates that inequalities in the American healthcare system present a number of challenges to Americanhealthcare managers. The paper explains that healthcare managers manage the state of affairs and day-to-day operations of this extremely complex system. The paper discusses their problems that include universal access to healthcare for all Americans, use of modern technology in every aspect of healthcare, universal insurance coverage for all Americans, adequate staffing in all urban and rural areas and lastly, communication with the patient so as to attain consumer satisfaction on a daily basis.
From the Paper "Current trends show that the American healthcare system has been consistently on the decline. A gloomy picture depicted by World Health Organization (WHO) is a mere reflection of the current state of affairs. For instance, in 2000, a pioneering WHO report, which assessed healthcare systems of each and every country, positioned American healthcare system at 37 squeezed in the middle of Costa Rica, at number 36, and Slovenia, at number 38 (Lander, 2000). This rapid decline has been taking place despite the fact that America's health care expenditures are by far the largest amongst the 191 members of W.H.O."
Abstract The paper discusses the issue of healthcare spending in the United States. The paper further discusses the American hospital system and expenditures and the costs of services and the hospital conglomerates that affect spending. The paper further examines these issues in relation to staffing and quality of care. The writer points out that this issue is significant because it affects millions of Americans and their health in modern society.
From the Paper "Health care in modern society is funded through various means. The primary source of funding is achieved through the American consumer with the purchase of health care insurance and services. Health care is also funded through the government in programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. In some circumstances funding of many organizations is achieved through grants that are directed toward the performance of programs aimed at societal need. Additionally, private funding serves some health care institutions, though this does not speak to funding for all health care facilities. This funding is required to cover health care spending in the country, which has increased dramatically in the past few decades. Spending for health care is primarily comprised of expenditures in advanced technologies, research and patient care."
Abstract This paper looks at the commonalities between American and British cases of medical malpractice. The paper notes that the major points of similarity of both countries tends to be the legal system's hands-off attitude toward physicians and an unwillingness for some of the judiciary in both places to take control, even when the issue of responsibility is placed before them. The paper also looks at what has caused the general decline in the healthcare systems of both countries and the current push for reform being seen in both countries.
From the Paper "In the case of Elam v. College Park Hospital, Elam had originally complained that her podiatrist had performed negligent podiatric surgery at College Park Hospital to correct bilateral bunions and bilateral hammer toes, despite the hospital's coadmission procedure, requiring a hospital doctor to assume responsibility for the overall medical care of each patient. But a California appeals court reversed a lower court decision that had found for the defendant, College Park Hospital. Ruling on June 25, 1982, California's Fourth Appellate Court noted that the original case revolved around "whether a hospital is liable to a patient under the doctrine of corporate negligence" when independent surgeons who are staff members use hospital facilities."
Abstract This paper reviews the history of Asian-American discrimination in the United States, race-based policies and court decisions. The author points out the stereotyping of all AsianAmericans as a model minority image and why the term AsianAmericans is too broad a category. The paper stresses the need for affirmative actions programs to correct the problem of under-representation of Asian-Americans in academia.
From the Paper "There can be no question that Asian-Americans have been subject to racial discrimination in the United States. Until only a generation ago, Asian-Americans were essentially treated as second class ..."
Tags: affirmative action, asianamericans, race, students
