Discussion: Case Study Analyses

Discussion: Case Study Analyses

A person’s health may be greatly impacted by his or her access to timely, appropriate care. Yet, in the United States, there are marked differences among the quality of services that are available and the individual’s use of those services. The cost of healthcare, for instance, can greatly influence a person’s decision to visit the doctor or fill a prescription. What other factors impact healthcare-related decisions? In this Discussion, you will read three case studies that illustrate dilemmas related to cost, quality, and access to healthcare, and consider the potential influence these can have on a person’s health, financial standing, and quality of life.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Read the Week 2 Discussion Case Studies.

• Select one case study on which to focus for this Discussion.

• Review the information presented in the Resources, including Chapter 12 in the Shi and Singh (2019) course text and the two resources you selected.

• Reflect on your selected case study and consider the following questions:

◦ Which barriers in the U.S. healthcare delivery system related to cost, quality, and/or access are evident in the case study?

◦ How could these barriers be addressed?

◦ How does the use of insurance influence concerns or decisions related to cost, quality, and/or access to care for the person in this case study?

By Day 4

Post a substantive and cohesive response to the following:

• Analyze one or more barriers in the U.S. healthcare delivery system related to cost, quality, and/or access that are evident in your selected case study.

• Describe a potential solution for each barrier you have identified.

• Explain how health insurance may influence concerns or decisions related to cost, quality, and/or access to care for the person in your selected case study.

Reminder: Be sure to cite your supporting documentation appropriately in correct APA format.

Case Studies:

Case study 1) Raymond:

Raymond is a 54-year-old man who lives in Jackson, Mississippi. He is a skilled worker, but his job does not provide health insurance. Raymond does not qualify for Medicaid and cannot pay for health insurance. He has not received consistent or coordinated healthcare for most of his life. With a son in college, he does not have the money for both healthcare services and basic living expenses. Raymond has been diagnosed with hypertension, and his family history includes pulmonary embolisms and heart disease.

Case study 2) Emmanuel:

Emmanuel is a 55-year-old man who lives in a rural part of Mississippi who commutes 60 minutes each way to his work. He is an office manager and receives insurance from his employer; however, his insurance has a high deductible. Emmanuel has had annual medical and dental exams from the same providers for several years. Emmanuel has a family history of type 2 diabetes and his latest blood test results showed higher sugar levels than expected. Emmanuel received referrals to an endocrinologist and a registered dietitian, and he was instructed to increase his physical activity.

Case study 3) Alice:

Alice is a 41-year-old woman who lives in Hickory, North Carolina, with her husband and two children who are in high school. Alice just found out that she is 4 weeks pregnant. She recently began working in the scheduling department of a home health agency; however, her insurance benefits will not begin for another 3 months. Alice’s employment is the main source of income for her family as her husband recently lost his job due to layoffs at his textile company. During Alice’s first two pregnancies, she had preeclampsia, and it is important she receive early prenatal care due to her age and high-risk factors.

Required Websites/Links:

https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/linking-quality-to-payment.html?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

https://kresge.org/sites/default/files/Trust-for-Americas-Health.pdf

https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/About-Healthy-People/Foundation-Health-Measures