HEALTHCARE REFORM

HealthCare Reform

HealthCare Reform

Introduction

With time Health Care needs different changes and reforms in order to improve processes and increase the effectiveness of Health Care Services. It is important to keep on looking for new improved measures to increase its effectiveness. The cost of health care has increased significantly in past years, so is the problems. Hence, it is the time when the state take strong decisions for the benefit of Health Care.

There have been too many changes observed from the past few years. Cost controlling, and restructuring in the nursing profession have resulted in the cutback of Registered Nurses. These changes are done to manage the market penetration in the nurse's profession. The healthcare field continues to evolve from generation to generation. (Gamma and Angst, 2001),

HealthCare Reform 2010

A reform was passed in the year 2010, this reform was known as the health care reform package and was entitled as “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”. It provides health insurance benefits to approximately 30 million uninsured Nurses. Key hallmarks of this reform package address access to health care needs. The detection of acute and chronic conditions through early preventive intervention can have a profound impact on the patient's medical outcome. For those, uninsured crossing the threshold and acquiring health insurance the barrier of access to standard quality medical care may be lifted. A significant impact upon access to health care and the early detection and treatment for acute and chronic conditions may be treated in early stages of manifestation and lead to positive health care outcomes (Alexander, 1993).

However, studies found that the uninsured are more likely to go without necessary medical treatment. In 1998, approximately 70 percent of uninsured adults in poor health could not afford to see a physician for medical care. A study of 1,100 patients who visited an Emergency Room and then subsequently lost their health insurance coverage showed that those patients were four times more likely to delay following up care due to costs (Denton and Walters, 1999). These findings suggest that a lack of health insurance may hinder one's ability to acquire appropriate medical care for acute and chronic conditions.

Having a standard source of health care from a primary care provider can greatly improve health care accessibility and quality of care. A continued for diagnosed related conditions. In one such 1987 study, children who were lacking health insurance all round the year and did not have an authoritative source of health care than were those enrolled in private or local insurance plans. Only 75 percent of uninsured children had a regular source of health care versus 90 percent for those with health insurance. Therefore, a larger percentage of our under-aged uninsured population forgo preventive resources by dedicated physicians and are at greater risk for undetected chronic medical identification. And, access to health insurance is a significant determinant in acquiring and maintaining a relationship with a primary care provider (American Academy of Medical Colleges, 1996).

Implications for Nurses

Health Care Reforms could play a vital ...