Explore current trends in health care

Cost containment

Reasons for high health care costs – Technological advances – Aging population – Health-related lawsuits

Methods of cost containment – Diagnostic related groups (DRG) – Combination of services – Outpatient services – Mass or bulk purchasing – Early intervention and preventive services

Diagnostic related groups (DRG) System to classify diagnoses into similar groups Used to determine the amount of Medicare payment to a healthcare provider Health care provider and insurance company agree on a predetermined amount of money that each DRG is worth

Diagnostic related groups (DRG) If health care provider can provide the services for less money they can keep the difference. If the service cost more, the health care provider may NOT bill the patient

Combination of services Agencies join together or share specific services (ex. lab or x-ray)

Outpatient services Care that is provided does not require patient to spend the night in a hospital Much cheaper than inpatient

Mass or bulk purchasing Much cheaper to buy a large quantity of a product than buying smaller quantities

Early intervention and preventive services Cheaper to care for people before they get really sick Costs less to prevent disorders than to treat them after they occur

Home health care Cheaper then providing care in a hospital Only certain services can be provided in the home Studies show people get better faster in their own homes

Geriatric care Care for the elderly People living longer Care for the elderly requires a special type of care

Geriatric care Types of facilities: Long term care facilities Extended care facilities Adult day care

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) Federal Law (1987) Established standards of care for long term care and home health Requires nursing assistants to be certified

Telemedicine Health care provided across telephone/internet Cheaper than having health care provider present Increases access to medical care

Wellness Holistic Health (looks at the whole person, not just their disease) Physical wellness Emotional wellness Social wellness Mental and intellectual wellness Spiritual Wellness

Alternative and Complementary Methods of Health Care Ayurvedic practitioners Chinese medicine practitioners Chiropractors Homeopaths Hypnotists Naturopaths

Ayurvedic Practitioners Ancient Indian practice Diet, exercise and treatments recommended based on a person’s dosha (body type)

Chinese medicine practitioners Healing practice based on a person’s chi (life energy) Use of acupuncture/pressure, tai chi, herbal remedies

Chiropractors Believe that diseases are the result of misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine Use spinal manipulation to treat illness

Homeopaths Belief in the body’s ability to heal itself Uses the immune system Use of plants, animal and mineral substances to stimulate the immune system to heal the body

Hypnotists Help people obtain a trance like state Believe people are receptive to suggestions while in a trance

Naturopaths Use natural therapies only (fasting, special diet, lifestyle changes) to treat disease