Organizing the US Health Care Delivery System, Coursework Example

Introduction

In the United States, the healthcare system faces serious concerns related to its primary business model, and it requires an understanding of how business interests often override direct patient care needs and quality (Hochfeld, 2009). Unfortunately, the desire to earn significant revenues often takes priority and limits the ability of a healthcare organization to be successful in treating its patient population and in preserving health (Hochfeld, 2009). Unfortunately, the healthcare system is fractured and fragmented to the extent that there are significant weaknesses in ensuring productivity and promoting the delivery of care to patients (The Commonwealth Fund, 2008).

Analysis

Achieving success in the U.S. healthcare system also requires a high level of focus and attention on modernizing the system to adapt to changes that have occurred in technology and in other ways (Chua & Casoy). It is also important to identify methods that may contribute to cost reductions and improved management of the conditions under which healthcare is provided to Americans (Chua & Casoy). Healthcare systems must be integrated in order to provide cohesive care to patients, along with other factors that may contribute to the overall direction of the system as it moves forward in the future (Suter et.al, 2009). Since the United States lags behind many other countries with respect to healthcare quality, availability, and affordability, there must be greater improvements in achieving cohesive care in order to minimize gaps and improve access to these services (Docteur & Berenson, 2009).

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations must demonstrate a high level of support and understanding of the challenges and opportunities that are available to them in order to improve quality of care and increase access to treatment. This process requires healthcare systems to work collaboratively and to form cohesive units to achieve the desired results. This practice, in turn, will enable larger numbers of patients to obtain the necessary care and treatment in an affordable manner, while preserving the quality that is expected of the system as a whole.

References

Chua, K.P., & Casoy, F. The case for universal health care. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&ved=0CB8QFjAAOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsa.org%2FAMSA%2FLibraries%2FCommittee_Docs%2FCaseForUHC.sflb.ashx&ei=ZVUOVLPoOc-qogTcsIHQAg&usg=AFQjCNH6kRKJpAWyycgAuGiqeKCnLSWrWw&sig2=3vcXo0OU8rjOKEPMZhfEcQ

The Commonwealth Fund (2008). Organizing the U.S. health care delivery system for high performance. Retrieved from http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2008/aug/organizing-the-u-s–health-care-delivery-system-for-high-performance

Docteur, E., & Berenson, R.A. (2009). How does the quality of U.S. health care compare internationally? Retrieved from http://www.rwjf.org/en/research-publications/find-rwjf-research/2009/08/how-does-the-quality-of-u-s–health-care-compare-internationally.html

Hochfeld, P. (2009). Health, money, and fear. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckSyGD6uoR0&noredirect=1

Hochfeld, P. (2009). Our 2.5 trillion dollar health care factory. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YLzwTw_Xxg

Suter, E., Oelke, N.D., Adair, C.E., & Armitage, G.D. (2009). Ten key principles for successful health systems integration. Healthcare Quarterly, 13(Sp), 16-23.