Post a 260- to 350-word response to the following questions as a New Message into the discussion area:
- How does the Veterans Health Administration’s philosophy of care differ from private health care in regards to rationing health care, discretionary medical procedures, integrated health care of the payor, and plan and provider under the same structure?
- How can the transparency of price, quality, and safety change the way a consumer selects health care choices?
Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references.
Format your citations according to APA guidelines.
ABSOLUTELY NO PLAGIARISM, PLEASE!
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The philosophy of care within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) differs in several aspects from private health care. This response will examine the differences between VHA and private health care regarding rationing health care, discretionary medical procedures, integrated health care of the payor, and plan and provider under the same structure. Additionally, the importance of transparency in price, quality, and safety for consumers in making health care choices will be discussed.
1. Differences in approach to rationing health care:
The VHA operates within a budget that requires the management of scarce resources. As a result, it employs a system of prioritization to allocate these resources based on various factors such as severity of illness, service-connected disabilities, and available funding. In contrast, private health care is largely driven by market forces and individuals’ ability to pay. This can lead to variations in access and care depending on an individual’s insurance coverage or financial status.
2. Discretionary medical procedures:
The VHA focuses on evidence-based medicine and generally provides services that are deemed medically necessary. While discretionary procedures are available, they are subject to stricter criteria and require more extensive justification. In private health care, discretionary procedures are more readily accessible, depending on an individual’s insurance coverage and the recommendation of their provider.
3. Integrated health care of the payor, plan, and provider under the same structure:
The VHA functions as an integrated system, where the payor (VHA), the plan (benefits package), and the provider (VHA medical centers) are all part of the same organization. This integration allows for coordination and collaboration among different components, contributing to improved continuity and quality of care. Private health care, on the other hand, often comprises separate entities, resulting in fragmented care and a lack of coordination between payors and providers.
Transparency in price, quality, and safety:
Transparency in health care allows consumers to make more informed decisions. When consumers have access to information regarding the prices of medical services, the quality of care provided by different providers, and the safety records of hospitals and clinics, they are empowered to select care options that best meet their needs. This can encourage competition among providers, drive improvements in quality, and enhance patient satisfaction.
In conclusion, the VHA’s philosophy of care differs from private health care in terms of rationing health care, discretionary medical procedures, and the integration of payor, plan, and provider. Transparency in price, quality, and safety is essential in enabling consumers to make well-informed health care choices. By understanding these differences and the importance of transparency, medical college students can better comprehend the complexities of health care delivery systems.
References:
1. Kizer KW. Transforming the Veterans Health Administration: An Historical Case Study in Healthcare Transformation. Virtual Mentor. 2012;14(11):893-901. doi:10.1001/virtualmentor.2012.14.11.msoc1-1111
2. Wright S, Wattam S, Carr S, et al. The impact of information on clinical and public health outcomes: a systematic review. Health Informatics J. 2011;17(3):149-161. doi:10.1177/1460458211405357
