Problem
A. What type of healthcare delivery system model represents the U.S. (NHI, NHS, SHI single/multi-payor or fragmented)? Describe the health care system in detail? What element(s) and/or features make it fall into this category?
B. Discuss the entities that finance U.S. health care such as government, employers, workers comp and self-pay addressing financing subtopics a-d above? How does health policy affect financing? What is the U.S. Balanced Budget Act? How does the Balanced Budget Act affect financing? Are there any other related U.S. financing legislation?
C. Who provides the healthcare and where is it delivered? How is licensure granted for health care professionals and for facilities? How does HIPAA, The Joint Commission, and OSHA affect providers and facilities in the U.S.? Identify and describe additional legislation and oversight bodies.
D. How are services and providers reimbursed? Define and describe the difference between U.S. prospective payment systems and retrospective payment systems? What is the impact each payment system has on stabilizing or destabilizing health care costs in the U.S.? How are various health care settings reimbursed?
E. How does U.S. political, economic, and social environments affect the way health care is delivered?
For this section, you will want to look at federal and state data. Health and Human Services (hhs.gov) is an excellent source as well as the official state government website. Once on the official state website, search for the state's health plan and information on rural health care delivery. Also, look at the most recent census data to identify the 3 poorest counties in the state based on income. This can be determined by counties where the average income is at or below the federal poverty level based on the HHS guidelines. You will need information to answer the following:
F. Discuss rural access to health care in ARIZONA (Level of access to health services, health professionals, and other community-based health services, National Rural Health Association findings, Public policy and legislation, Regulations). Why are rural counties in poorer health?
Why are rural areas disadvantaged in terms of health care delivery and related health care services?