Healthcare Delivery Before: WWII And The Present

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Health Then & Now American Sentinel University NUR500 – Assignment 1 June 23, 2013 Abstract This paper examines the differences between healthcare delivery prior to WWII and the present. Exploring the different methods and ways Americans received healthcare, to include the financial burdens associated with it. Other topics include the foundation of Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. In addition, discussions on new technology and some of the benefits under the PPACA will be mentioned. Old Healthcare and the Establishment of Insurance Companies Prior to WWII, the largest area of healthcare expenditures were physician services. After the war up to the present, hospital charges have surpassed all other healthcare charges…show more content…
The evolution of technological advances, insurance, and the medical professional in itself has caused the many debates over the cost of insurance. Some believe that new technology could lower the cost of insurance if used in the right manner (Sultz & Young, 2011). Unlike the past, technology has made it possible for many people to live longer, be cured of certain illnesses and disease’s, lesson what was considered an invasive procedure, and reduce the length of hospital stays (Sultz & Young, 2011). Once in full force the PPACA is designed to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans. Unlike the past when people were treated at home by physicians and other healthcare workers with little to no knowledge about an illness, today’s healthcare works have the opportunity and resources to continue enhancing their skills and education. Children under the age of 19 with pre-existing conditions no longer have to be denied care, they will be eligible under the PPACA to receive treatment (Sultz & Young, 2011). The new reform also encourages preventative maintenance which may decrease the number of emergency room visits for non-emergencies helping to decrease the cost everyone has to pay in premiums annually (PPACA…show more content…
A friend and I traveled to the Netherlands, while there she became ill and had to go to a nearby clinic. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be. We saw more clinics than hospitals and they are big on promoting preventative care. They asked her a lot of questions about her daily health activities and hand hygiene practices. Technology has really paved the path for so many changes in health care throughout the years, unfortunately a big price tag comes along with it. The physicians, nurses, and other health care workers have many avenues to help heal a patient today than from the past. One can hope for a positive outcome regarding the PPACA, but people have to do their part to make it a success. References Luce JM, Bindman AB, Lee PR. A brief history of health care quality assessment and improvement in the United States. West J Med. 1994 Mar; 160(3):263–268. Sultz, H.A., Young, K.M. (2011). Health Care USA: Understanding its organization and delivery (7th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning. Principles of healthcare management; compliance, consumerism, and accountability in the 21st century. The Free Library. (2005). Retrieved June 23, 2013 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Principles of healthcare management; compliance, consumerism, and...-a0138410383 PPACA timeline. (2013). Retrieved from
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