1.)Identify three components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act that went into effect in 2014 and discuss their impact or potential
impact on the practice of nursing and medicine. Be specific as to what
the provision states, who it affects, and the impact that it may have. 2.) Describe a type of health care spending that you consider wasteful or
services that you consider have little or no benefit. Explain why you
find the spending wasteful, and if eliminated, what impact it may have
on the American public. EACH QUESTION SHOULD HAVE 200-250 WORDS
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The medical field is constantly evolving, and it is essential for medical students to stay up-to-date with any changes in regulations, laws, and policies. As a medical professor, it is crucial to provide students with assignments and lectures that will prepare them for the current healthcare landscape. In this essay, we will answer two questions related to healthcare policies, their effects on the practice of nursing and medicine, and wasteful health care spending.
1) Identify three components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that went into effect in 2014 and discuss their impact or potential impact on the practice of nursing and medicine. Be specific as to what the provision states, who it affects, and the impact that it may have.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was enacted in 2010, and several provisions were implemented in 2014. Some of the essential aspects of the PPACA that went into effect in 2014 include:
a) Individual mandate: The individual mandate provision requires individuals to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. This provision aims to expand health insurance coverage, reduce the number of uninsured Americans, and lower healthcare costs. The individual mandate provision affects everyone who does not have health insurance or who chooses not to obtain coverage and may encourage more individuals to seek preventive care and medical treatment.
b) Medicaid expansion: The PPACA expands Medicaid eligibility to non-elderly adults with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level. This provision aims to increase access to healthcare for low-income individuals and families who were previously uninsured. The Medicaid expansion provision affects states that choose to expand their Medicaid programs, and it may reduce the number of uninsured individuals, increase preventive care utilization, and improve health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries.
c) Essential health benefits: The PPACA mandates that all insurance plans offered through the health insurance marketplaces cover ten essential health benefits, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventive care. This provision aims to ensure that individuals have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage and prevents insurers from charging higher premiums or denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions. The essential health benefits provision affects individuals who purchase health insurance through the marketplaces, and it may increase access to necessary medical treatments and services.
These provisions of the PPACA may impact the practice of nursing and medicine by increasing access to healthcare services for more Americans, promoting preventive care, reducing healthcare costs, and improving health outcomes for patients.
2) Describe a type of health care spending that you consider wasteful or services that you consider have little or no benefit. Explain why you find the spending wasteful, and if eliminated, what impact it may have on the American public.
One type of healthcare spending that I consider wasteful is unnecessary medical tests and procedures. Many healthcare providers perform tests and procedures that may not be necessary, such as imaging studies for low back pain or antibiotics for viral infections. These unnecessary interventions not only waste healthcare resources but also expose patients to potential harm, such as radiation exposure and adverse drug reactions. Additionally, these interventions may lead to false-positive results, leading to more testing, follow-up interventions, and higher costs.
Eliminating unnecessary medical tests and procedures may have a significant impact on the American public. It may reduce healthcare spending, prevent unnecessary harm to patients, and free up resources for patients who require more essential healthcare services. Additionally, reducing unnecessary interventions may improve patient outcomes by reducing the risk of complications and minimizing the chance of false-positive test results. It may also improve patient-provider communication by promoting shared decision-making, reducing the medicalization of normal conditions, and limiting healthcare disparities related to overuse of testing and procedures. Overall, eliminating unnecessary medical tests and procedures is crucial in creating a more efficient, effective, and equitable healthcare system.
